AFTERMATH

Hurricane Irene: Supplies Airlifted to 13 Isolated Vermont Towns

More than 200 roads blocked in 13 towns.

National Guard soldiers began airlifting supplies Tuesday to Vermont’s flooded towns—more than 200 roads are blocked by water and 13 towns are isolated. The death toll from Hurricane Irene hit 42 people in 12 states Tuesday afternoon, with at least three of those deaths in Vermont. Vermont National Guard troops are bringing food, water, and other emergency supplies via air and road where possible. “We’ve got a really long road ahead,” said Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin. “Irene whacked us hard.” The state had one of its rainiest springs and summers on record and its worst floods since 1927—and officials warned some rivers had yet to crest. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has said it's unsure if there are have enough funds to cover the national damage costs from the deadly hurricane, which is estimated at $7 billion in insurance costs.