Latest News: Second Person Dies in Vermont Flooding from Hurricane Beryl’s Remnants
The remnants of Hurricane Beryl wreaked havoc in Vermont, claiming the lives of two individuals as the state grappled with catastrophic flooding. The devastation unfolded as a driver in Lyndonville was swept away in his vehicle by floodwaters despite warnings from bystanders. In a separate incident, Dylan Kempton, 33, lost his life when his all-terrain vehicle was engulfed by floodwaters in Peacham.
The torrential rainfall, a result of Hurricane Beryl’s remnants, caused widespread destruction, including the washing away of an apartment building, the collapse of a concrete bridge, and the closure of key roads. More than 100 people had to be rescued by swift-water teams as towns along the Winooski River corridor faced significant challenges.
Residents emerged to scenes of mud and devastation, with one individual describing the situation as “catastrophic” and unlike anything they had ever seen before. The heartbreaking events unfolded on the one-year anniversary of a previous catastrophic flood, adding an eerie sense of déjà vu to the unfolding tragedy.
As Vermonters came to grips with the extent of the damage, efforts were underway to restore normalcy and provide assistance to those affected. Resilience efforts, including the performance of flood control dams, appeared to have mitigated some of the impact, but the emotional toll of witnessing their community suffer again weighed heavily on residents and officials.
Governor Phil Scott acknowledged the reality of climate change and emphasized the need to build back stronger, safer, and smarter in the face of extreme weather events. Vermont’s experience with tropical weather, including Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, has underscored the importance of adapting to changing climate patterns and enacting policies that address the challenges posed by such events.
Despite the loss and destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl’s remnants, Vermonters remained steadfast in their determination to overcome adversity, with one town official expressing confidence in their ability to weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.