Upper Makefield Township, Pa. (CBS) — The coroner’s office has identified the five victims of weekend flash flooding in Upper Makefield Township, Bucks County.
They have been identified as 78-year-old Enzo Debiro of Newtown Township, 53-year-old Susan Barnhart of Titusville, New Jersey, 32-year-old Kathryn Chely of Charleston, South Carolina, and 64-year-old Yuko Love of Newtown. township and Linda DePioro, 74, of Newtown Township, according to Bucks County Coroner Meredith Buck.
Enzo DePiro, Barnhart and Celi were rescued by crews on Saturday, while Love and Linda DePiro were found on Sunday, Buck said.
Buck said all five deaths were weather-related and were accidental. All five people drowned in the flash flood, and Love was also injured, Buck said.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims at this very difficult time,” Buck said. “This is a sad time for these families, this community and all of Bucks County.”
Two children are missing in the flood. The search for 2-year-old Matilda Shiels and her 9-month-old brother Conrad Shiels resumed Monday morning, police said.
Father Jim Shiels and their 4-year-old son and grandmother survived the flood. But their 32-year-old mother of three, Celie, died.
“The father took his 4-year-old son, while the mother and grandmother grabbed two additional children, ages 9 months and 2 years old,” said Upper Makefield Township Fire Chief Tim Brewer. “Miraculously, the father and his son got out safely, however, the grandmother, mother and two children were swept away by the floodwaters. We have also rescued the mother, who was among the dead.”
Matilda and Conrad’s uncle, Scott Ellis, spoke on behalf of the family and said they were grateful for their support.
“Our family would like to express our deepest gratitude for the tremendous efforts of the many emergency workers who worked tirelessly in dangerous and difficult conditions to rescue the victims of this terrible tragedy. Their kindness, compassion and courage have given us strength in this unspeakable time,” Ellis said.
Brewer said sonar, air and water operations were able to be used Monday to aid rescue efforts. The crew also used rescue dogs. The search operation will continue through the night and into Tuesday.
Brewer said additional assets are being brought in from Pennsylvania and New Jersey to assist in the search.
A sudden Flash flooding sent rescue crews from across Bucks County into high gear on Saturday. Heavy rain fell around 5.30 pm on Saturday. This caused a flash flood.
The area received 6 to 7 inches of rain within an hour. At least 11 cars were stranded and several roads were damaged.
