State of Emergency Declared in Vermont

Severe flooding has occurred in the northeastern United States due to heavy rainfall. In the state of Vermont, over 100 people have been rescued from cars and homes. President Biden has declared a state of emergency.

President Biden Declares State of Emergency in Vermont

Following flooding caused by heavy rainfall, US President Joe Biden has declared a state of emergency in the state of Vermont. This allows federal funds to be released for relief efforts. According to authorities, over 100 people have been rescued from cars and homes.

Dam Threatens to Overflow

The decision was made after warnings from officials that a dam located about six kilometers north of Montpelier, the state capital, was at risk of overflowing. "This has never happened since the dam was built, so it is unclear what damages could occur," said Montpelier City Manager William Fraser, referring to the Wrightsville Dam.

According to reports, the dam is approaching the point where an overflow channel would need to divert water into the North Branch of the Winooski River. This would worsen the flooding within Montpelier. The center of the city, which has a population of 8,000, was submerged after the rainfall. Images showed kayakers paddling on a flooded road. There were no reports of casualties or injuries initially.

"The destruction and flooding we are experiencing are historic and catastrophic," said Vermont Governor Phil Scott. The flooding exceeds "the extent of Tropical Storm Irene," which claimed six lives in the state in 2011.

Heavy Rainfall Affects Multiple States

In the northeastern United States, including the states of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Vermont, heavy rainfall has occurred in recent days. Bridges have been washed away, and roads have become impassable, as shown in footage released by authorities. One woman lost her life in the state of New York. The region around the Hudson River, which leads to New York City, was particularly affected.

These floods coincide with a series of other extreme weather phenomena in North America and worldwide. Canada is experiencing an unprecedented severe wildfire season, with thick smoke engulfing several US cities such as New York and Chicago. Additionally, a heatwave is approaching the southwestern United States, with temperatures of nearly 50 degrees Celsius feared in Phoenix, Arizona.