Devastating floods have struck Vermont as water levels continue to rise, resulting in the first flood-related death in the state. Vermont authorities confirmed that 63-year-old Stephen Davoll drowned in his home on Wednesday, marking the first death linked to the historic flooding. The towns of Londonderry and Weston remained largely inaccessible, and a total of 117 rescues have been made in Vermont so far. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, including destroyed homes, damaged roads, bridges, and railways.
The floods have also affected neighboring New York, where Governor Kathy Hochul declared the event a “1-in-1,000-year weather event.” One woman lost her life in Fort Montgomery when she was swept away while trying to escape her home with her dog. Vermont Governor Phil Scott stated that thunderstorms were expected to worsen the situation, with flash flooding possible. However, the upcoming storms are not projected to be as severe as the previous ones.
Residents in Vermont are now returning to their devastated homes, finding damaged houses and belongings. Videos posted by residents show the extent of the damage, with mud and debris blocking entryways and leaving cars stuck. The cleanup process is expected to take several months, and City Hall in Montpelier is closed until further notice due to floodwater damage.
Governor Phil Scott plans to submit a request for a major disaster declaration to President Joe Biden, seeking federal support for the recovery efforts. The storm that caused the flooding delivered two months’ worth of rain in just two days, causing widespread damage and trapping residents in their homes.
The historic flooding in Vermont and other northeastern states is a grim reminder of the effects of the climate crisis. Vermont’s catastrophic flooding can even be seen from space, underscoring the magnitude of the disaster. With more rain forecasted, Vermont remains on high alert and focuses on recovery and cleanup efforts.