Vermont Capital Floods Threaten Dam Overflow: Over 100 Stranded People Rescued

Historic flooding has submerged Vermont's capital city of Montpelier, forcing the evacuation of downtown and the rescue of more than 100 people.

Vermont Governor Phil Scott says the catastrophic flooding has already claimed thousands of homes and businesses in the state.

Vermont Capital Submerged in Floods

Vermont Flood — MONTPELIER, VERMONT - JULY 11: Residents walk along a muddy Main Street after flood waters receded on July 11, 2023 in Montpelier, Vermont. Up to eight inches of rain fell over 48 hours and residents were warned that Wrightsville Dam could reach capacity, forcing it to release more water that could impact the downtown area. Kylie Cooper/Getty Images

According to CNN, the historic capital Montpelier has become the epicenter of this natural disaster, as the surging river threatens to breach its dams and wreak havoc on the city.

A record-breaking rainfall caused the widespread flooding, which began on Sunday. The Winooski River, which runs through Montpelier, overflowed after the downpour dumped two months' worth of rainfall in merely two days. The National Weather Service in Burlington says the city faced a record-breaking 5.28 inches of rainfall on July 10, Monday.

The Los Angles Times reports that the Montpelier officials are closely observing the dam upstream on the Winooski River as the flooding threatens it to overflow. The flooding has caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The waterfloods washed out several roads, closing them to the public.

According to CBS News, the White House says the United States (US) President Joe Biden has declared a state of emergency in Vermont. Biden made the declaration while in Lithuania for a NATO summit.

In a press conference, Gov. Scott stresses, "The devastation and flooding [we are] experiencing across Vermont is historic and catastrophic." The governor further put the disaster in perspective. He says the flooding in some locations has already" surpassed levels seen during Tropical Storm Irene."

It is worth noting that Hurricane Irene devastated the US in August 2011, killing over 40 people in various Eastern states.

Over 100 Stranded People Rescued

Vermont Floods — MONTPELIER, VERMONT - JULY 11: Main Street is flooded on July 11, 2023 in Montpelier, Vermont. Up to eight inches of rain fell over 48 hours and residents were warned that Wrightsville Dam could reach capacity, forcing it to release more water that could impact the downtown area. Kylie Cooper/Getty Images

As the picturesque city grapples with the looming threat of dam overflow, the spirit of Vermonters shines through. Rescue teams have been working around the clock to evacuate residents and stranded individuals, saving more than 100 people.

As of this writing, local authorities say there have been no reports of any injuries or deaths related to the extreme flooding and rainfall in Vermont.

Rescuers in Vermont are trying to save as many stranded residents as possible. The National Guard helicopter crews are working hand in hand with swift-water rescue teams. And so far, Urban Search and Rescue manager Mike Cannon discloses that they have rescued over 100 people.

On top of that, the Red Cross is also gearing up to bring supplies. The American Red Cross of Northern New England's regional disaster officer, John Montes, says they are "trying to find paths to get supplies into them."