Maryland Boy Dies in Flood; Storm Drain Safety Eyed

A 13-year-old boy died in Mount Airy, Maryland, after being swept into a storm drain during severe flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall on Thursday at the Watersville Apartments. The boy, who was playing with other children, was caught by rapidly rising waters from an overflowing retention pond and pulled into the drainage pipe. Emergency responders from several agencies attempted a rescue, but the operation ultimately became a recovery effort, and the boy was pronounced dead at the scene. The storm brought 4 to 5 inches of rain to Mount Airy, causing widespread flooding, power outages, and transportation disruptions along the East Coast, with additional heavy rainfall in nearby states. The tragedy has sparked community grief and prompted discussions about storm drain safety measures in residential areas. Officials continue to urge residents to heed weather warnings due to the dangers of flash floods.