MONTPELIER, Vt. — President Biden on Tuesday approved a major disaster declaration for Vermont that makes federal funding available to help people and communities affected by flooding from July 9 through July 11 caused by the remnants of Hurricane Beryl.
Gov. Phil Scott has made a separate disaster declaration request for flood damage caused by storms on July 30.
Beryl’s remnants dumped more than 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain in just a few hours on parts of Vermont, destroying and damaging homes, knocking out bridges, cutting off towns and retraumatizing a state where some people are still awaiting assistance after catastrophic floods that hit exactly a year earlier.
Two people — a motorist in Lyndonville and a man riding an all-terrain-vehicle in Peacham — were killed by the floodwaters.
The declaration makes federal funding available to people in Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Lamoille, Orleans and Washington counties, federal officials said. It also includes funding to help communities in those counties repair flood-damaged roads and bridges.
“The impact of this storm on communities and individuals has been significant, and while these federal resources won’t alleviate all of those burdens, this financial support is critical to our state’s recovery,” Scott said in a statement.
He has also asked for a separate natural disaster designation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help farmers hit by flooding in multiple counties.
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This story has been corrected to show that the flooding occurred on July 9-11.
Vermont has recently been declared a disaster area following the severe flooding that occurred in July, caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Beryl. The storm brought heavy rainfall to the region, leading to widespread flooding and damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure.
The disaster declaration means that federal assistance will be available to help with the recovery efforts in Vermont. This assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and businesses recover from the disaster.
The flooding caused by Tropical Storm Beryl has had a significant impact on the state of Vermont. Many homes were damaged or destroyed, leaving families displaced and in need of assistance. Roads and bridges were washed out, making it difficult for residents to travel and access essential services. In some areas, entire communities were cut off from the outside world due to the flooding.
The disaster declaration will help to ensure that Vermont receives the support it needs to recover from this devastating event. Federal agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will work with state and local officials to assess the damage and provide assistance to those affected by the flooding.
In addition to federal assistance, Vermont residents can also take steps to protect themselves and their property from future flooding events. This can include purchasing flood insurance, elevating homes in flood-prone areas, and creating emergency plans in case of future disasters.
It is important for residents of Vermont to stay informed about weather conditions and be prepared for potential flooding events in the future. By taking proactive measures and working together with local officials and emergency responders, Vermont can recover from the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Beryl and build a more resilient community for the future.
