Biden declares emergency in Vermont due to flooding in Northeast.

President Joe Biden Declares State of Emergency in Vermont After Heavy Rainfall

President Joe Biden has declared a state of emergency in Vermont following heavy rain that has caused widespread damage and forced evacuations. The Northeast region has been hit hard by torrential downpours, with Vermont and parts of New York experiencing two months’ worth of rain in just two days.

As the annual NATO summit takes place in Lithuania, President Biden has directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate relief efforts and provide assistance to affected areas. FEMA is authorized to mobilize resources and equipment to alleviate the impacts of the emergency, with 75 percent of funding provided by the federal government.

Vermont Governor Phil Scott has urged residents to remain cautious as severe flooding continues across the state. Water levels are still rising in some areas, and despite the rain stopping in certain places, the oversaturated ground poses a risk of further flooding. However, Governor Scott expressed confidence in the resilience of Vermonters, who have faced and overcome challenges in the past.

The flooding in Vermont brings back memories of Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, which caused significant devastation in the state. However, as of now, there have been no reports of injuries or deaths related to the current flooding.

Concerns Mount About Dam Nearing Capacity

In Montpelier, city officials have announced the closure of the downtown area until at least midday on Tuesday to assess safety risks and begin cleanup efforts. The river running through the capital city is receding, and the damage is unlikely to worsen during the morning hours as water levels drop.

However, there are concerns about the Wrightsville Dam in Washington County’s Winooski River. If more water pours over, the dam could exceed its capacity for the first time, leading to further flooding in downtown areas that are already waist-high in water.

The Montpelier Police Department is closely monitoring the water level and has reported no significant change so far. They will continue to monitor the dam throughout the night.

New York

The storm has also affected parts of New York, where a woman tragically lost her life while attempting to escape her flooded home. Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her condolences during a news conference, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

The U.S. Military