BURLINGTON, Vt., July 31 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today issued the following statement on the extreme flooding in Vermont this week:

Once again, Vermont has been struck by more flooding, just three weeks after Barre, Plainfield, and other towns were hit on July 10 – and a year to the day after the disastrous flooding of 2023. We are now seeing significant flood damage in St. Johnsbury, Lyndonville, East Burke, Island Pond, Morgan, and other towns, as a result of 5-8 inches of rain falling in a very short period of time. 

To all homeowners, businesses, and town officials, please know that my office is working with FEMA and other agencies in the federal government to do all that we can to get as much federal assistance into impacted communities as quickly as possible.

If anyone has a question as to how best to proceed, please do not hesitate to give my office a ring.  

As I think most Vermonters know, these devastating floods are directly related to climate change. From flooding across Vermont, to the hottest days on record in many parts of our country and the world, to wildfires out west, climate change is real and causing devastating damage. Clearly, we must work together as a state, a nation, and a planet to cut carbon emissions and transition to a clean energy system that saves our planet and future generations.

To help our state receive as much federal financial support as possible, it is important to report the damages that have occurred. Please call 2-1-1 or visit vermont211.org to report damage and help our state recover together.

Let me be frank: Seeing flood after flood after flood is demoralizing. And, personally, seeing some of the damage these floods have caused has been heartbreaking. I wish from the bottom of my heart that I could tell you that this type of extreme weather is not going to happen again. But I can’t. It could happen tomorrow, next month, or five years from now. That is a somber reality we’ve got to deal with.

This is tough stuff that we as a state, nation, and world are going to have to address together and boldly.

Lastly, I would like to thank the volunteers, town work crews, rescue teams, state and local employees, and fellow Vermonters for the extraordinary work they are doing to keep our communities safe. Your efforts are much appreciated.

Once again, if my office can be of any help, please call us at (802) 862-0697. You can also call our toll free number at 1-800-339-9834.