Two Dead in Vermont Flooding Caused by Remnants of Beryl
On Wednesday night, 33-year-old Dylan Kempton lost his life after a culvert collapsed, sweeping away his utility vehicle in Peacham. His body was found by search teams the following morning. The next day, 73-year-old John Rice from Concord died when floodwaters carried his car 250 feet into a hayfield, which was submerged under 10 feet of water. Witnesses reported that Rice had ignored warnings not to enter the flooded area. His body was recovered by a rescue team later that evening.
The heavy rainfall, which began Wednesday and continued into Thursday, caused widespread destruction across Vermont, damaging infrastructure and affecting communities still reeling from catastrophic floods exactly one year prior. Over 100 individuals required rescue during the heaviest downpours.
In Plainfield, residents of a six-unit apartment building had to evacuate quickly as floodwaters compromised the structure. Many towns experienced severe impacts, with roads closed and shelters established for displaced residents. Some areas received over 6 inches of rain, primarily affecting locations that were devastated last year.
Vermont Governor Phil Scott noted the ironic timing of the floods, occurring on the anniversary of last year’s disaster. The hardest-hit areas were situated east of Montpelier, which was spared serious damage this time.
Emergency officials reported that flood control measures performed well, although one dam breached with minimal consequences. Nevertheless, the repeated flooding has taken a toll on residents, many of whom are still awaiting federal disaster assistance from last year.
In the broader context, Hurricane Beryl has been linked to at least nine deaths across the U.S. and caused over $3.3 billion in damages. As the storm moved through the U.S., millions were left without power, and flood warnings were issued for parts of New England.
Residents are encouraged to seek higher ground amid the ongoing threats, and rescue teams remain on standby.