A preliminary report examining the response to the flash flood incident that tragically claimed the lives of 10 dogs in Northeast D.C. last August has been released. While the report offers recommendations, it has left one local ANC commissioner with lingering questions.


The draft "after-action" report, compiled by D.C.'s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, outlines the events surrounding the flash flood along Rhode Island Avenue NE.


During the flood, employees at District Dogs, along with numerous dogs, struggled to escape as floodwaters inundated the business, reaching heights of over six feet.


According to the draft document, the flooding at District Dogs was initially categorized by a dispatcher as a "water leak," resulting in a delayed response from emergency services.


The report suggests that corrective measures have since been taken, including dispatcher training to utilize the code "water rescue" for indoor flooding incidents when appropriate.


ANC Commissioner Joe Bishop-Henchman expressed concern over the initial misclassification of the emergency, which led to significant delays in assistance reaching District Dogs.


The report indicates that the initial communication regarding the incident as a "water leak" came at 5:10 p.m., with additional details provided at 5:22 p.m. This prompted the Fire and EMS Incident Commander to initiate rescue operations upon observing individuals and dogs trapped within the building.


It is noted that the area along Rhode Island Avenue NE has witnessed several flash floods in recent years, although it is not within a federally designated flood zone, raising questions about planning and zoning considerations.


Bishop-Henchman questioned why concerns about the area's flood risks were not addressed despite community awareness.


One recommendation in the report suggests keeping the building previously occupied by District Dogs vacant until assessments by relevant authorities confirm it is no longer susceptible to flooding.


Bishop-Henchman expressed curiosity about the approval for occupancy of the building, particularly given its vulnerability to flooding and limited exit options.


The report highlights ongoing infrastructure projects by DC Water, such as the Northeast Boundary Tunnel project, aimed at mitigating flood impacts in the area.