BERLIN, Vt. (WCAX) – As Vermonters work to recover from yet another round of devastating flooding, the governor and other state officials gave a news briefing on Wednesday detailing the state’s ongoing response.
Gov. Phil Scott called this latest round of devastating flooding in the state simply demoralizing but said Vermonters can’t give up.
The latest flooding hit hardest in the Northeast Kingdom, washing out roads and prompting evacuations after some communities got as much as 8 inches of rain, breaking all previous records. The National Weather Service called it a one-in-1,000-year event.
It came just two weeks after the last round of flooding ripped through our region, and just over a year after the previous flooding.
State officials reported that swift-water rescue teams were out until 9 p.m. Tuesday helping people. Altogether, they performed 12 rescues and 15 home evacuations.
Officials say they don’t have official numbers yet, but preliminary data indicates 50 or more homes were completely destroyed or have major damage. However, they say some residences are still inaccessible to assess the damage.
State officials on Wednesday again urged Vermonters to report all damage to their homes and businesses to 211— from both this latest flooding and the floods earlier this month– in an effort to help the state trigger the release of funds from FEMA.
With more rain and possibly heavy rain in the forecast Wednesday, Vermont Public Safety Commissioner Jennifer Morrison urged all communities to clear culverts, storm drains and any other place water may flow. Click here for the latest forecast.
State officials also stressed that the public should be wary of landslides. They say already saturated land with more rain can cause potentially dangerous slides.
There are numerous road closures, primarily in the Northeast Kingdom. For the latest updates, you can visit New England 511. Keep in mind that 511 only lists state road closures, there may be other local road closures.
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OFFICIALS URGE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Vermont officials are urging those in flood-impacted areas to take basic safety precautions.
That includes turning off electrical power when there is standing water or fallen power lines. Don’t attempt to walk or drive through water, even if it seems safe. Move to higher ground as soon as you see water rising near your house. Dial 211 to find a shelter near you. And after water levels go down, make sure to test your water for contamination.
Click here for a list of state flood resources.
Click here for information on how you can help.