Plainfield Flood: A Local Heartbreak
In the early hours of December 26, 2024, central Vermont faced devastation once again as flooding wreaked havoc on Plainfield. Reporter Anne Wallace Allen found herself in the heart of the chaos, witnessing the aftermath of nature’s fury alongside residents, helpers, and journalists.
A Personal Encounter with Tragedy
As the rain poured down relentlessly in Marshfield, Anne Wallace Allen received a text from a friend at 5:30 a.m., depicting the heartbreaking sight of the Heartbreak Hotel apartment building torn in half by floodwaters. Determined to document the unfolding tragedy, Anne made her way to Plainfield, where the damage was starkly visible.
Upon arrival, the once-foggy and quiet town of Plainfield was now bustling with activity. Residents, including Anne’s friend Lauren Geiger, were in a state of shock as they surveyed the destruction around them. Lauren’s home on Hudson Avenue was no exception, with her car buried under mud and her basement submerged in floodwaters.
Witnessing the devastation firsthand, Anne felt a sense of helplessness and guilt, knowing that she had a safe haven to return to in Marshfield. However, amidst the despair, there was a glimmer of relief that no lives were lost in the tragedy, tempered by the overwhelming feeling of sorrow that a beloved local landmark had been lost forever.
Community Resilience in the Face of Adversity
As the day unfolded, Plainfield became a hub of activity, with gawkers, journalists, and volunteers descending upon the town to offer their support. Anne found herself wearing multiple hats, transitioning seamlessly between documenting the events, lending a helping hand, and providing a listening ear to those affected by the disaster.
Among the residents grappling with their losses, Anne encountered stories of resilience and camaraderie. From salvaging precious belongings from wrecked homes to caring for injured pets, the spirit of unity and optimism shone through in the face of adversity.
A Beacon of Hope Amidst Tragedy
Despite the overwhelming challenges brought on by the flood, the unwavering spirit of the Plainfield community stood out as a beacon of hope. Anne’s journey through the town revealed not just the physical devastation but also the resilience and compassion that defined the residents in their darkest hour.
As she departed Plainfield, accompanied by a spirited 12-year-old who embodied the town’s can-do attitude, Anne reflected on the day’s events with a newfound appreciation for the strength and unity that emerged in the wake of tragedy. Through her poignant account, Anne Wallace Allen captured the essence of Plainfield’s spirit, a testament to the human capacity to rise above adversity with grace and resilience.
