I’ve lived on the border of Vermont and New Hampshire my entire life. Spent 15 years on the New Hampshire side in Claremont, NH and then recently moved 30 minutes across the border to Hartford, VT where I’ve now lived in for 3 years. I am now 18 years of age and Yesterday Hurricane Irene hit Vermont. We were told that this was the safest place in the united states to live near water because there hasn’t been any tornadoes or floods since before I was born. I’ve lived my life hearing about all the natural disasters going on around the united states but now I’m hearing about the natural disaster going on right outside my house. The shopping centers in West Lebanon, New Hampshire were flooded. Walmart, restaurants, K mart… and more are not shoppable now. My boyfriend Who lived with a friend, lived right next to the river and their house is not flooded and not livable. He is now sleeping at my house and we are unable to find an apartment for the both of us around here thanks to hurricane Irene flooding all the apartments we were looking at. The Quechee bridge in Vermont was washed away by the raging river along with over 5 more bridges in Vermont. Houses that were close to lakes and other rivers were washed away along with many gas tanks and a few cars. This disaster has now caused a lot of panic and homelessness. I’m hoping that Vermont is strong enough to get through this and overcome this obstacle.

Quechee bridge, VT

West Leb, NH, JcPenny Plaza

Woodstalk, VT

House floating in the river? Might be a shed but looks like a house.

Woodstalk farmers market, VT