Vermont Flooding: Catastrophic Damage in Montpelier and Ludlow
Vermont has been hit by catastrophic flooding, with the Winooski River in Montpelier and the Black River in Ludlow cresting at record levels. There have been no reports of injuries or deaths, but the damage is estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars. FEMA is providing assistance to the state.
A storm that dumped up to two months of rain in two days in Vermont and other parts of the Northeast has caused catastrophic flooding in the state capital of Montpelier and the town of Ludlow.
In Montpelier, the Winooski River crested at a record level, inundating downtown businesses and homes. The city's fire station was flooded, and dispatch, police and fire operations were relocated to a water treatment plant.
In Ludlow, the Black River crested at a level that was 16 feet above flood stage, destroying homes, businesses and infrastructure. The town's water treatment plant was also damaged, and the main roadway through town was closed.
There have been no reports of injuries or deaths related to the flooding in Vermont, but the damage is estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars.
President Joe Biden has declared an emergency for Vermont, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing assistance to the state.
The flooding is a reminder of the dangers of climate change, as storms are becoming more intense and frequent as the planet warms.
Our Verdict:
- The flooding in Vermont is the latest in a series of extreme weather events that have hit the United States in recent years.
- Climate change is making these events more likely and more severe.
- The federal government needs to do more to help states prepare for and respond to these disasters.
