Maryland Gov. honors Aasish Selvaraj for flood rescue efforts

The 12-year-old braved surging floodwaters to promptly alert rescuers of his location.

Aasish Selvaraj with Maryland Governor Wes Moore and lieutenant governor Aruna Miller after his efforts helped save lives during the flash floods. (R) Rescuers with Selvaraj and the toddler who they saved from flood waters. / X (Aruna K. Miller)/MCFRS

Maryland Governor Wes Moore and lieutenant governor Aruna Miller honored 12-year-old Aasish Selvaraj with a Governor’s Citation for his bravery during last month’s flash flood.

On July 31, flash floods swept an SUV carrying 12-year-old Aasish Selvaraj, his nanny, and the nanny’s toddler son off Bradley Boulevard in Bethesda. According to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS), Aasish climbed out of the almost completely submerged vehicle to get on the roof, which drew the attention of rescuers.

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Meet 12-year-old Aasish from Montgomery County — a real-life hero.

When flash floods swept their SUV off the road, Aasish climbed out a window with a 2-year-old in his arms and held on to a tree branch until rescue teams reached them through 200 feet of raging water. pic.twitter.com/gRSemSAdDb
— Lt. Governor Aruna Miller (@LtGovMiller) August 18, 2025

Holding onto a fallen tree branch, he endured 200 feet of surging water until swift-water rescue teams reached him. Lt. Governor Miller shared the story publicly, calling Aasish a “real-life hero” and noting his composure in the face of danger.

Flood rescue operations / MCFRS

According to 7News, Aasish’s father, Jayaraman, donated $10,000 to MCFRS earlier this month, calling it a “small gesture” for the team that saved his family. His mother also expressed thanks, saying they continue to pray for the safety of first responders.

Officials have since reiterated warnings never to drive through floodwaters, stressing that even familiar roads can become deadly within minutes during flash floods.

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