LANSING, Mich. — A water rescue team from Michigan is currently working in Vermont to help with first response efforts during a historic flooding event.
Flash floods in Vermont are devastating local communities after nearly a foot of rain has fallen since Sunday.
The 8-member Michigan Task Force 1 Swiftwater Team deployed Monday evening and is assisting in rescue efforts in the state.
Authorities report that in some areas the floodwaters are reaching the roofs of homes in many of the hardest hit flood areas.
The Michigan State Police (MSP), Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (EMHSD) says that the team rescued seven people and a dog Tuesday night with the help of night operation capabilities.
“Our Michigan team is on the ground and ready to help. Many local first responders have been conducting life-saving rescue operations non-stop for the last 48 hours,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “When other states ask for help, it is our duty we answer the call.”
The team was deployed after a request made by Vermont for help from other states through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
MSP says this is the second time that the state has sent support to another state through an EMAC request this year.
Rain is expected to continue in areas of Vermont over the next several days, but authorities have reported some gains with some rivers receding below flood levels.
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