(WWJ) – As flash floods wreak havoc on Vermont mountain towns, a water rescue team from Michigan has stepped up to help.
The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division deployed the Michigan Task Force 1’s Type III Swiftwater Team from Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System to help with response efforts.
The deployment comes after officials in Vermont made a request for out-of-state support through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
While sun and blue skies returned to the area Tuesday, many small mountain towns in Vermont were underwater after getting nearly a foot of rain in two days, leaving many homes in rushing floodwaters up to their roofs.
The eight-member team deployed Monday night and joined other out-of-state rescuers from North Carolina, Connecticut, and New York Tuesday morning. The team will respond to reports of trapped residents, with some being identified by rescue teams in the air.
The team is expected to remain in Vermont until July 19.
“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 MSP Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management. “When other states ask for help, it is our duty we answer the call.”
This is the second time Michigan has sent resource support through EMAC requests in 2023, officials said. An official went to California to assist with recovery efforts following severe storms that caused flooding and massive devastation in February.
Over the past three years, Michigan has also deployed assistance through the EMAC to help with civil unrest in Wisconsin, wildland fires in Oregon, Hurricane Ida damage in Louisiana, tornado aftermath in Kentucky, flooding in Montana, a public drinking water supply emergency in Jackson, Mississippi and during California lightning fires.
Through the EMAC, a disaster-impacted state can request and receive assistance from other member states quickly and efficiently. Members of the EMAC include all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
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