Ten years after devastating floodwaters tore through Historic Ellicott City, the community continues to remember those who lost their lives while looking toward a future better protected from severe storms. READ: Howard County officials celebrate progress in Ellicott City flood mitigation planJoseph Belvins and Jessica Watsula were killed after floodwaters swept away their vehicles, trapping them inside. A year later, cherry trees were planted in Ellicott City to honor Belvins, Watsula, and Pacylowski. The disaster prompted county and state leaders to pursue a long-term flood mitigation strategy aimed at reducing the risk of future catastrophic flooding. One of the centerpiece projects is a large flood mitigation tunnel designed to intercept stormwater upstream and divert it away from Main Street before it can inundate the historic district.