Upstate New York and parts of Vermont were struck by rapid flooding brought on by Tropical Storm Irene over the weekend. Due to wind damage and fallen trees, downed power lines remain a problem, as do hundreds of flooded roads. In Vermont, there have already been three confirmed fatalities due to the storm – two were swept into rushing waters and drowned. Fifty-thousand homes and businesses remain without power in what officials are calling Vermont’s worst natural disaster since flooding in 1927. A majority of homeowners in Vermont who were affected by the storm lack insurance that covers flood damage. Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) talks about the damage and emergency response in his district. Stuart Hurd gives an update from on the ground in Bennington, VT, where he is town manager.
Without federal support, local stations, especially in rural and underserved areas, face deep cuts or even closure. Vital public service alerts, news, storytelling, and programming like The World will be impacted. The World has weathered many storms, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to being your trusted source for human-centered international news, shared with integrity and care. We believe public media is about truth and access for all. As an independent, nonprofit newsroom, we aren’t controlled by billionaire owners or corporations. We are sustained by listeners like you.
Now more than ever, we need your help to support our global reporting work and power the future of The World.