Vermont residents were actively engaged in the process of drying out their homes and businesses following the devastating floods, while also remaining vigilant for potential future storms on the horizon.

Significant rainfall hit parts of the state on Thursday, impacting around 14,000 customers at its peak. The forecast indicates the likelihood of more rain on Sunday, with additional storms expected next Tuesday.

During a press conference, Governor Phil Scott expressed uncertainty about the upcoming storms and their potential impact on the region.

This week’s storms resulted in the accumulation of up to two months’ worth of rain in just a few days, surpassing the levels experienced during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, which caused widespread flooding. Officials have labeled this week’s flooding as the most severe natural disaster in Vermont since the floods of 1927.

Tragically, the flooding claimed the life of one individual, a 63-year-old man named Stephen Davoll, who drowned in his home in Barre, a city with a population of approximately 8,500. Vermont Emergency Management spokesman Mark Bosma emphasized the importance of caution as residents return to their homes to assess and repair the damage.

Senator Peter Welch expressed his condolences, highlighting the pain of losing a member of the Vermont community during such a challenging time.

This incident marked the second flood-related fatality in the Northeast this week, with the first occurring in upstate New York, where a woman was swept away by floodwaters in Fort Montgomery.

President Joe Biden responded to Governor Scott’s request by approving a major disaster declaration to facilitate federal assistance for the affected communities.

While many communities have been in contact with Vermont emergency management officials to address their needs, there are still two to three dozen communities that have not yet reached out. National Guard troops have been deployed to establish communication with these areas.

In addition to the damage to roads, homes, and businesses, farms suffered significant losses, especially following a hard freeze in May. Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts highlighted the devastating impact on produce and livestock feed, particularly in the fertile river valleys where many farms are located.

The extent of the damage costs is still being assessed, as it is too early to provide a definitive figure.

Governor Scott and other officials acknowledged the tremendous outpouring of support from Vermonters who have volunteered to assist in the recovery efforts for the flood-affected areas.

In Marshfield, the Marshfield Village Store played a crucial role during the flooding, serving as a temporary shelter for dozens of individuals and later as a distribution point for clean water due to a damaged water main.

Volunteers have been actively involved in various relief efforts, with over 5,200 people registering to help through the state Emergency Management agency and online volunteer recruitment initiatives.

Local organizations and informal networks have also mobilized volunteers to address critical needs more efficiently, offering services such as transportation for Meals on Wheels, medical appointments, and general cleanup.

In Ludlow, Calcutta’s restaurant stepped up to prepare meals for first responders, volunteers, and those in need, while also providing shelter and essential supplies for displaced individuals.

Despite the challenges ahead, the community remains resilient and committed to restoring normalcy, with individuals like Michael Reyes actively contributing to the recovery efforts.