WASHINGTON, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Searchers on Tuesday found the body of the Maryland National Guard member who was washed away in floodwaters ravaging Ellicott City in the eastern U.S. state two days ago, Howard County Police said on Twitter.
The body of 39-year-old Eddison Hermond was found in the Patapsco River just across the Baltimore County line, the police tweeted.
Hermond was swept away after trying to rescue local shop owner Kate Bowman, Bowman told The Baltimore Sun newspaper.
Heavy rain drenched the city on Sunday, sending raging brown water surging down Main Street, toppling buildings and upending vehicles. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency in Howard County later on the day.
The Ellicott City, about 13 miles (21 km) west of Baltimore, is known for its flood-prone location in the valley of the Patapsco River, which rose 17.8 feet (about 5.4 meters) in two hours on Sunday afternoon to 24.13 feet (about 7.4 meters), a new record from the previous high of 23.6 feet (about 7.19 meters).
In 2016, two residents died in a similar flash flood striking the city after six inches (about 0.15 meter) of rain fell in two hours.
