Despite Heat, Volunteers Turn Out To Help Ellicott City
ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (WJZ) -- The extreme heat outside didn't stop hundreds of people from flocking to Ellicott City to get their hands dirty as part of the storm cleanup effort on Saturday.
It's been two weeks since a tide of floodwater rushed through Main Street in the historic city, sweeping away entire vehicles and washing away everything from sidewalks to buildings' foundations.
Since then, everything has changed and not for the better.
RELATED: Recovery Efforts Continue in Flood-Ravaged Ellicott City
"I thought that the pictures on Facebook could tell the story," said volunteer Terah Murray, "but being down there was a lot different than I expected."
"It's kind of eerie, even though there are tons of people down there," she said. "It feels like a different world."
Since the deadly flash flooding on July 30, hundreds of volunteers have stepped up to do their part. Some have been donating their time, some their money and others still have contributed both.
The ongoing debris removal and cleanup downtown is a mission that has compelled residents and volunteers to finish, even with an Excessive Heat Warning in effect and heat indices making outside temperatures feel above 100 degrees.
RELATED: Federal Agency Approves Disaster Aid For Flooded Ellicott City
"It's amazing to see how many people are out there working despite the heat. They are working hard and getting a lot of progress done," said Howard County Councilman Jon Weinstein.
The cleanup and restoration process won't happen overnight. But that hasn't discouraged those lending their hands.
"If we waited too much longer, it's just going to get worse," said Murray.
Saturday marked the first day residents, business owners and volunteers have been allowed back down to the flood zone in nearly a week. It had been closed off while crews surveyed the damage left behind.
Workers will be allowed to return on Sunday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.