Vermont ravaged by catastrophic floods, evacuations underway

The northeastern US state of Vermont has been hit by catastrophic floods, prompting President Joe Biden to declare a state of emergency. Heavy rains have unleashed havoc, leading to the evacuation of numerous residents as floodwaters surged and posed a threat to a nearby dam. 

With the situation unfolding rapidly, rescue efforts are underway, and the state finds itself on high alert.

"This has never happened since the dam was built, so there is no precedent for potential damage," expressed Montpelier city manager William Fraser, underscoring the unprecedented nature of the crisis. The Wrightsville Dam and North Branch River loom dangerously close to overflowing, raising concerns about the extensive damage it could inflict on surrounding areas.

Amidst the chaos, the National Weather Service reported rainfall exceeding eight inches (20 cm) in some places, exacerbating the already dire circumstances. The flash floods that swept through New York state over the weekend claimed a life, further underscoring the urgency of the situation in Vermont.

"We are still in a very dangerous part of this disaster. We are performing active rescues as we speak today," warned Mike Cannon, an official with Vermont's Urban Search and Rescue team, highlighting the ongoing rescue operations. Over a hundred individuals have already been rescued, with authorities resorting to helicopter airlifts to reach those stranded by rising floodwaters.

Vermont Governor Phil Scott drew a chilling parallel, likening the current flooding to the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, which claimed six lives. "The devastation and flooding we're experiencing across Vermont is historic and catastrophic," Governor Scott expressed, stressing the severity of the crisis.

As the immediate threat persists, the governor also raised concerns about the saturated ground, stating, "We expect more rain later this week which will have nowhere to go in the oversaturated ground." This ominous forecast underscores the potential for further damage and adds to the anxiety gripping the region.

The catastrophic floods in Vermont serve as a stark reminder of the intensifying risks posed by climate change. Scientists affirm that a warmer atmosphere holds more water, thereby increasing the likelihood of heavy rain and the subsequent devastating consequences.

With rescue operations ongoing and the looming threat of additional rainfall, Vermont finds itself grappling with an unprecedented disaster. The state's resilience will be tested as it navigates the path to recovery amidst the aftermath of these catastrophic floods.