Maryland Flash Flood: Under State Of Calamity For 2 Deaths, More Than 100 Stranded

A Maryland flash flood swept away two people to their deaths and trapped more than 100 residents who are now rescued. The flash flood after heavy rains caused severe damage to the city over the weekend. Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman said that the city received almost 6 inches of rains for two hours, which is the equivalent to a full month's normal rainfall.

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan surveyed the damage in the area and declared a state of emergency in the county, NBC News reported. He said that they are going to provide whatever equipment and manpower  necessary from every single department. Kittleman called the Maryland flash flood a terrible and horrific incident that looks like a warzone, Today News reported. Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford also surveyed the Howard County and said that it looks like a movie disaster scene.

The Patapsco River, which runs through the area, rose more than 13 feet according to the National Weather Service. The historic Main Street also suffered some of the worst destruction due to the Maryland flash flood. Howard County Fire and EMS announced that the street would remain closed until further notice and asked people to avoid the area due to gas leaks and downed power lines.

Rising floodwaters ripped through buildings and carried away cars that caused the displacement of dozens of residents, Kittleman said. The bodies of Joseph Anthony Blevins, 38, and Jessica Watsula, 35, were reportedly recovered after they were both carried off by the rushing water in separate incidents. Four homes were destroyed while 20 to 30 others sustained substantial damage.

Kittleman said that the Maryland flash flood is not going to defeat its people. He went on to say that they are going to become a stronger and better community because that is who they are. The Maryland flash flood was historic. The National Weather Service said that the chances of such an extreme weather event are less than 0.01 percent, making it likely to occur just once in 1,000 years. Watch one of the resident's flash flood video here: