150 students and 50 staff members had to be rescued
Cumberland, Md. (DG) – In Western Maryland, around 200 students and staff were rescued Tuesday afternoon after severe flooding threatened Westernport Elementary School.
According to Allegany County officials, water rose to the second floor of the building, prompting a dramatic evacuation using rescue boats. First responders made approximately 15 trips to safely remove the 150 students and 50 adults trapped inside.
The flooding is part of a broader emergency affecting the Georges Creek region. Authorities continue to carry out evacuations as needed and urge residents to shelter in place and avoid driving through floodwaters. Images from Cumberland show streets submerged, with water reaching halfway up parked vehicles.
Emergency crews from across the state—and even the D.C. area—are on the ground. Montgomery County Fire & EMS has deployed six swift water rescue personnel and two boats to assist.