A local road in Plymouth - Provided photo.
By Brent Curtis
STAFF WRITER
Rescuers using four-wheel drive vehicles followed a hand-cut trail over steep terrain to reach the cutoff town of Plymouth, fire officials in the town said.
The mountain town of little more than 500 residents was isolated Sunday when floods washed out Route 100 and the other roads and bridges leading into town.
Vermont National Guard helicopters were able to fly supplies in Monday, but the town was off-limits to ground vehicles until Tuesday when a looping road made by residents with chainsaws and heavy equipment connected two sections of Route 100 separated by a large cave-in on Sunday.
State Emergency Management officials had little knowledge of operations in Plymouth on Wednesday. But in an email sent by the Plymouth Emergency Response Team Incident Command, officials in the town said damage was widespread and severe.
In the email, town officials said, “It is hard to describe the magnitude of destruction. ... Virtually every road in town was damaged and dozens of bridges were destroyed.”
“It will take months, if not years, to repair the damage. Immediate assistance is urgently needed. The town infrastructure has been destroyed,” the officials wrote.
While much of that help remains on the other side of broken roads, residents in town have begun helping themselves by running heavy equipment to move mud and boulders off roads and to build temporary bridges, town officials said.
The town has been deemed closed to all “non-essential visitors” until further notice, town officials said.
Most of the town also remained without telephone or electricity and the Farm and Wilderness summer camp in town is serving meals to residents in need. Salvation Army personnel, who arrived in town Tuesday, brought food and bottled water.
Town officials said there were no deaths as a result of the storm. There was no mention of injuries.
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Is there anything we can do? I am from MA and have a camp on Round Top Mountain. I have 4 wheel drive truck, a Hydralics license (Heavy Equipment Operator) and am willing to come up to Plymouth to help. I also have 2 generators available. We can bring ice and water or anything else. Anyone know who/how to contact?
Posted by: Brian Morin | 09/01/2011 at 08:16 AM
Plymouth you are so very special. Thinking of you!
Posted by: Megan Smith | 08/31/2011 at 11:02 PM
Our family feels terrible for your loss due to flooding
in Plymouth, nearby and throughout VT. We feel for you;
and we're saddened to see video of torn-up roads,
the covered bridge falling and other photos and
stories from a place that least expected it. We're shocked that so much damage happened in your state.
You've always been terribly kind to us as visitors
And we'll be looking for ways to help.
Your stories of coming together as a town deeply inspire us.
You are strong. We hope you get the supplies you need and
that power, communications and transportation come back as
soon as possible.
Posted by: AO | 08/31/2011 at 10:05 PM
Thank you Farm and Wilderness for helping those in need.
Posted by: Dave | 08/31/2011 at 07:54 PM
Hang Tough.....We're true Vermonters we'll make it.....
Posted by: kathy lyons | 08/31/2011 at 06:06 PM
Plymouth - You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: C, C, C, and K | 08/31/2011 at 05:53 PM