Western Maryland Communities Continue Long Road to Recovery After May 2025 Flood

On May 13, 2025, parts of Allegany County and Garrett County in Maryland, along with Mineral County, West Virginia, were hit by an unprecedented rainfall event that led to severe flooding across the region. The hardest-hit area was the Georges Creek Valley, with the town of Westernport taking the brunt of the damage.

In the hours and days that followed, first responders, municipal crews, county road departments, and volunteers worked around the clock doing what they do best—helping neighbors and starting the long push back toward normal life. There were numerous water rescues, several reported injuries, and one fatality related to the flooding. Homes, businesses, and community structures throughout the valley sustained significant damage, with early estimates placing losses in the millions.

As they have time and again, the people of Western Maryland showed their grit. In the weeks and months after the flood, help began pouring in from every direction, government agencies, faith-based groups, volunteer organizations, and community partners all stepping up to lend a hand.

One of those partners was Maryland Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (MD VOAD), a group experienced in helping communities organize for long-term recovery after major disasters. With their guidance, the Western Maryland Long Term Recovery Group (WM LTRG) was officially formed in September 2025.

The WM LTRG is governed by a committee of local stakeholders, including representatives from Midland, Lonaconing, Barton, and Westernport; local churches; Allegany County Emergency Management; the Maryland Department of Emergency Management; the Department of Social Services; United Way; Tri-County Council; AHEC; and other community partners. The group currently operates out of the Lonaconing Fireman’s Armory.

The mission of the WM LTRG is straightforward: serve as the central coordination point for funding, resources, and volunteer efforts to help flood survivors become safe, sanitary, and secure in their homes. The group focuses on basic needs, not luxury, addressing essentials such as heat, clothing, and necessary home repairs, including major construction when required.

Following its formation, the LTRG worked to estimate the scale of need. Preliminary assessments identified approximately 468 households and businesses requiring assistance. Early efforts, coordinated with VOAD partners, helped clean out hundreds of flooded homes. One of the most urgent priorities was heat: assessments found 163 households without adequate heating heading into winter. Working alongside county and state partners, the LTRG has helped replace furnaces and provide temporary heating solutions. Currently, LTRG case managers are actively working with 88 households, and that number continues to evolve as assessments continue.

Funding for the WM LTRG has come primarily through donations. Faith-based and community partners including: Lutheran Disaster Response, Brethren Disaster Relief, United Methodist Committee on Relief, Disciples of Christ, Highland Presbyterian Church, Camp Hope, Church World Service, local churches, the Lions Center Foundation, and others… have given generously. The Potomac Highlands United Way serves as the group’s fiduciary. While the LTRG is grateful for support from local, county, and state partners, the lack of broader funding sources will affect how much assistance can ultimately be provided.

The Western Maryland Long Term Recovery Group plans to remain active for as long as it takes to help flood survivors regain safe and livable housing. Continued community support and donations will be critical to that effort.

Those wishing to donate may do so through the Potomac Highlands United Way at:https://potomacuw.org/about-us-2/

For more information or to contact the Western Maryland Long Term Recovery Group, reach out to: Chuck Ternent, Chairperson, chairperson@westernmarylandrecovery.org.