FEMA opens disaster centers in CT - Westfair Communications

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont has announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened Disaster Recovery Centers in Southbury and Wilton to help people and businesses affected by the severe flooding the western portion of Connecticut experienced on August 18.

“In addition to being able to apply online and over the phone, these FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are providing in-person support to homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofits seeking federal disaster aid from the horrible flooding western Connecticut experienced in August,” Lamont said. “It is strongly encouraged that anyone seeking assistance should apply as soon as possible to meet all federal deadlines.”

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are staffed by representatives who can provide program information, explain how to apply for federal disaster aid, answer questions, and also provide information about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

The centers are located at Southbury Town Hall, 501 Main St. South, and Our Lady of Fatima Church, 229 Danbury Road in Wilton. The centers are open seven days a week, although hours vary.

CNN Newsource reported that Lamont declared a state of emergency after historic flooding left two dead and prompted hundreds of evacuations.

“This declaration can help expedite some of the resources needed for us to respond, including potential federal support,” Lamont wrote in a post on X. “Hundreds of evacuations and swift water rescues were necessary to remove people from dangerous areas and shelters were opened.”

The two people were found dead in the town of Oxford, Fire Chief Scott Pelletier told CNN. The town is about 15 miles northwest of New Haven.

One female victim was swept away in floodwaters while firefighters were trying to perform a rescue August 18, Pelletier said at a news conference. The other was in a vehicle and was “clinging” to a sign as firefighters in high-wheel vehicles tried to reach her. The racing water was “too much” and swept her away, he said. Both victims were Oxford residents, according to Connecticut State Police.

Brenda Bergeron, deputy commissioner at the state Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, described how the rain produced “historic, unprecedented flooding.”

“We are talking about rainfall in some areas in the 1,000-year level,” Bergeron said, meaning it was so intense that on average it should only happen every 1,000 years.