CONCORD — New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu has requested a major disaster declaration for Grafton County and other areas hit by severe rain and flash flooding in July.
Sununu wrote to President Donald Trump on Thursday, saying the July 11-12 flooding washed out roads and left debris that restricted travel and emergency operations. He said the majority of the rain fell in less than six hours, with rates as high as 4.75 inches per hour reported. Rescuers helped evacuate some people from their homes and from a campground.
The flash floods caused $2.8 million in damages. About $850,000 of that was in Orange, while Canaan saw $311,698 of expenses, the governor’s letter said.
Overall, 75 miles of roads and more than 50 culverts required repairs.
Sununu emphasized how many of the communities affected are small towns, which will have to cut back on repairs, delay scheduled road work, increase taxes and take out loans in an attempt to recover.