Tropical Storm Irene which hit the US east coast North Carolina on Saturday as a hurricane, before moving north over major cities, and weakening to a tropical storm over New England, has caused flash flooding in upper New York state and Vermont. Though Irene dissipated as it reached eastern Canada, it still caused chaos there.
Irene killed 44 people in 13 U S states, and caused billions of dollars' damage. About half of the 6.7 million utility customers lost power.
Surging water levels have left a trail of devastation in places like Margaretville and the Catskills, destroying bridges and damaging properties. Crews are trying to clean up debris and restore electricity to thousands of householders.
The situation at Vermont visualises the extraordinary devastation that Irene had created, its worst floods since 1927. Vermont floods have claimed the lives of at least three people. In the town of Waterbury, Irene closed the Vermont Emergency Management headquarters and the Vermont State Hospital, where some 50 patients were moved to other facilities.
Creeks and rivers overflowed their banks and destroyed bridges and roads. Soldiers have been airlifting relief supplies to Vermont towns which remain cut off after the trail of destruction left by Irene. More than 200 roads are blocked or washed away hampering rescue efforts to 13 towns. A cemetery was flooded with water and caskets were down the river.
Dozens of people were rescued from mountain towns in New York State that were cut off by washed-out roads and bridges. In a strange turn of events, some Americans who bought candles, canned food and other emergency provisions in recent days have been demanding refunds, claiming Irene's threat was exaggerated.
