Sununu pushes feds for disaster relief from July storm

Gov. Chris Sununu (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD - Governor Chris Sununu last week requested that President Biden issue a major disaster declaration and provide federal emergency assistance for the damage that occurred to New Hampshire as a result of the July 17-19 storm, the Governor's Office released today.

According to a letter sent the president, the storm "overwhelmed state and local resources and required an immediate and urgent response."

At the peak of the incident, flash flooding and river flooding occurred that prompted numerous local Emergency Operations Centers to open, washed out road infrastructure in 14 communities, and threatened the integrity of multiple low head dams, the letter notes. The request also said the storm led to many flooded homes with up to four feet of water and created sink holes around residential properties.

Reported damages were concentrated in Cheshire County where the heaviest rain fell; however, other areas of the state saw intense rain and flooding that threatened public safety.

"The response consumed staff time and exhausted available resources due to significant flash flooding conditions that caused extensive roadway destruction and left debris that restricted travel and emergency operations," the governor's message concluded.