Flooding Update: Gov. Scott & State Leaders Hold Press Conference to Update Vermonters (7.11.23)
State of Vermont Flooding Press Conference Notes (7.11.23)
Watch the recording of the press conference here.
Takeaways:
Governor Phil Scott, Vermont
- President Biden approved Vermont's Emergency Declaration for all 14 VT counties, which helps the state fast-track recovery efforts and support
- July 2023 flooding is historic and catastrophic
- Flood waters continue to rise and have surpassed Tropical Storm Irene levels in some spots across the state
- More rain later this week, there will be nowhere for it to go with our highly saturated ground
- The current focus is on life and safety until VT can shift into the recovery phase
- Vermonters working around the clock to save lives, help those in need
- If you need help call 2-1-1, if you're in a life-or-death situation call 9-1-1
Jen Morrison, Commissioner, VT Department of Public Safety
- Stay away from impacted areas, water and levels remain dynamic
- 100 rescues from 13 swift water teams (5 additional teams from other states)
- 5 helicopters from VT & NH Nat Guard are in VT skies
- DO NOT take chances – RESPECT all detours, road signs, and emergency personnel
- Interstate 89 N/S now reopened (down to 1 lane Northbound)
- Structural collapse and Fire & Code officials have been spread throughout the state to assess damage and safety
- UAV’s (unmanned ariel vehicles) being deployed to aid search efforts
- As of 9:30 Tues, no injuries or deaths reported – FOCUS on saving lives, areas are still being evacuated
- Vermonters are asked to focus volunteer efforts at the hyperlocal level
- If you're in need of shelter – call 211, follow the directions of local officials, OR head straight to a local shelter
- “Stay safe & take care of each other”
Col. Tracey Poirier, VT National Guard
- VT National Guard has deployed alongside VT Emergency Management Center
- Currently have assets in the air – supporting eyes in the sky & recovery efforts
- Quick Reaction Force has been deployed
Mike Cannon, Program Coordinator, VT Urban Search & Rescue
- 117 rescues, 76+ evacuations
- Still in a dangerous phase of this disaster
- Reports of people still trapped
- State Urban rescue team activated
- Operating 24hr a day since 3:00 pm Sunday
- Going to be a long-term search & rescue op – several days if not more
- Even though the sun is shining, DO NOT ignore signage, stay away from waterways, conditions are still extremely dangerous
- DO NOT drive around barricades of any kind
- PLEASE follow all directions from state leaders and emergency crews
Joe Flynn, Secretary, VT Agency of Transportation
- 78 closed roads currently
- RT 2 in many places is closed
- RT 7 in many places is closed
- RT 15 in Cambridge, Johnson, Wolcott
- 89 Northbound open to 1 lane
- As the water recedes, VTRANS personnel working to assess road conditions in those areas
Other Updates:
- 89 Northbound closed to one lane because of possible asphalt and structural degradation underneath the roadway
- Our mountainous region has impacted the flow of rainwater, from Sunday on, conditions were drastically different from one town to another
- Communication frequency is quick and constant between agencies
- 9 AOT districts across VT – all garages have good repour with local towns and officials – communication is going top to bottom and bottom to top
- Gov. Scott is very concerned for the next few days – Vermonters CANNOT soften their safety approach – despite the sunshine, the danger is not over
- officials continue to monitor dams & reservoirs around the state – some dams are nearing their storage capacity, rainfall expected on Thursday and Friday will be the important factors in the state's response
- State leaders do feel some of the mitigation efforts put in place after Tropical Storm Irene have helped to lessen the impact of this most recent situation