As N.H. dries out, forecast predicts possible flooding

CONCORD, N.H. – The southwestern part of New Hampshire should escape further flood damage as long as any new rainfall stays below 3 inches, Emergency Management Director Bruce Cheney told lawmakers Thursday.

With the National Weather Service late Thursday calling for 2 to 3 inches of rain, it could be a close call.

Cheney, Gov. John Lynch and leaders in the House and Senate gave lawmakers an overview of the damage and the status of the emergency relief.

“The progress has been truly remarkable but as you know, there’s still much to do,” Lynch said.

A key bridge in Hinsdale was repaired to allow emergency vehicles across and may open to regular traffic by Friday afternoon, Cheney said.

The state has distributed 46,000 sand bags to Cheshire and Sullivan counties and 550 well-testing kits. State health officials were going door-to-door to collect water samples that state environmental officials will test to see if the drinking water is safe.

Fifteen inspectors evaluated area dams and determined none are in danger of breaching, Cheney said.

Power was restored to all but about 16 homes on Thursday afternoon and all were expected to be back on line by nightfall. Most homes have phone service back as well, he said.

“We’ve had plans in place for years,” Cheney said of disaster relief planning. In all, 11 state agencies, the American Red Cross and various federal officials are in the flood-stricken area making repairs, providing assistance to victims and assessing damage.

Maine Gov. John Baldacci said Thursday he has offered Lynch any assistance possible, and Maine transportation officials say they could provide temporary bridges and personnel to assemble them.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts state police dogs are assisting New Hampshire canines in the search for three people believed swept away in the weekend floods. Officials have given up any hope of finding them alive.

Fish and Game Lt. Todd Bogardus said searchers were working their way through 16 miles of terrain from Alstead to the Connecticut River. They also are searching the Connecticut for Sally and Tim Canfield, who apparently were swept away along with their house, and Spencer Petty, who may have been washed downstream in his van.

He said teams are pulling apart debris piles left all along the flood route. The piles are made up of everything from trees to pieces of houses and cars.

Three people were confirmed dead in the flooding and a kayaker swept away in Antrim also has not been found.

Health officials are warning residents of the danger of illness and injury left behind by the weekend floods.

Cheshire County Sheriff Richard Foote said the flood waters and debris-filled areas are contaminated with human waste from destroyed septic systems, as well as gas, oil and other chemicals from destroyed homes and cars and fuel tanks.

He said people risk infection if they are cut by debris.