Volunteers Help Cleanup Efforts in Flood-Ravaged Ellicott City
ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (WJZ) -- More than a week after flash floods wreaked havoc in Ellicott City, threatening lives and livelihoods, residents were relieved to return to their homes and businesses to clean up on Monday.
Access to Main Street has been limited since the deadly floods washed out parts of the roadway and wiped out the foundations of buildings, some of which are at risk of collapse and could be demolished.
But Sunday and again on Monday, Howard County officials lifted the curtain to allow those impacted by the disaster to pick up and try to move forward with their lives. Up to this point, visits to the site had largely been kept to trips lasting just a few minutes.
RELATED: Week After Deadly Flooding, Ellicott City Community Remains Resilient
Despite an outpouring of support, the road to recovery isn't clear for residents and business owners, like Jason Crebs.
"It's more than a week out and I haven't thought of what's next," Crebs told WJZ's Marcus Washington. "I'm still in damage control."
Crebs' basement apartment was underwater after the tide of floodwater swept through -- in some parts up to the ceiling. "I've just been smash and grab, throwing belongings into trash bags, not sorting it, just getting whatever I can out," he said.
But he and other residents are not alone in their efforts. On top of the officials present on site, those who live and work in Ellicott City have been allowed to bring in friends and volunteers during the two-day cleanup.
RELATED: United Way Establishes Fund For Ellicott City Flood Victims
"It's a dirty job and we really appreciate everyone's time and willingness to get down in the dirt with us," said Lexi Milani, who along with her husband Matt, owns The Rumor Mill restaurant.
On July 31, when the water came crashing through, the restaurant was flooded with people still inside. Some of the patrons who enjoyed the place before the floods have in turn come out to show their support and help the Milanis overcome their losses -- some even bringing their own supplies from home.
"They're like family and everyone in Ellicott City is like family," said volunteer Ryan Galinat. "We all love each other, so we gotta do what we gotta do and get it back in working order."
The area will be closed off once again between Tuesday and Friday as crews evaluate damage.
But officials, like Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman, are not discouraged. "We are rebuilding Main Street, rebuilding Ellicott City, and it's going to be a strong, vibrant community and business center for many, many, many decades to come," he said.
To learn about you can help the Ellicott City flood victims, CLICK HERE.
