CONCORD - Gov. Lynch, joined by state emergency officials, today toured communities devastated by flooding from this weekend's rains. Gov. Lynch met with local officials in Keene, Hinsdale, Walpole, and Alstead, and with Department of Transportation officials in Swanzey.

"This weekend's floods devastated a number of our communities. Right now, our people need help, and I am committed to getting them the help they need as quickly as possible," Gov. Lynch said. "I want to applaud local officials and state emergency officials for their quick response. Their dedication and quick action helped prevent even worse damage."

Gov. Lynch toured a neighborhood in Keene that suffered severe flooding. He visited Hinsdale, which lost one of its main bridges. He also toured Alstead, which lost one bridge and suffered significant damage to another. The community also lost at least twelve homes and is littered with massive amounts of debris.

"Seeing it up close, you get a full appreciation for the devastation that these storms created," Gov. Lynch said. "Neighborhoods in Hinsdale and Alstead are cut off from the rest of their communities. In Hinsdale I saw the remains of a house sitting next to the remains of a bridge. In Alstead a landmark gas station had disappeared along with the bridge it sat next to. Cars from the station had been scattered across the area by the flood. I am going to use every state resource possible to help these towns recover."

The State today asked for a federal disaster declaration. A representative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency is expected to begin the assessment promptly.

Throughout the day Gov. Lynch has been speaking with executives at state utilities and agency heads to help coordinate and expedite restoration of utility service to affected communities.

Since the storm began early Sunday morning, the State's Emergency Operation Center has been manned around the clock to provide services to the citizens of affected communities. The State has provided generators, communications equipment, jersey barriers and, in cooperation with the Red Cross, food and water. The National Guard has also been mobilized to assist with recovery efforts.

The Emergency Operations Center will remain open to assist communities affected by the flooding, monitor the weather and water levels over the coming days and plan for the possibility of additional rains.

"We are concerned that additional rains could cause further damage," said Gov. Lynch. "We are hoping for the best but preparing for the worst."