PEACHAM, Vt. (WCAX) – It has been more than four days since floodwaters ripped through parts of the region. The town of Peacham was hit especially hard, and for many there, their lives will never be the same.
The brook that used to flow behind the Mackenzies’ home in Peacham now flows out front where their road used to be.
“I’m glad we are OK. We are OK,” Jenny Mackenzie said.
Just minutes after the family of four evacuated from their home with their pets, the brook rose eight feet.
“We watched it engulf the house completely and four trees that were here at the time gave way,” Jenny Mackenzie said.
Both cars and their barn were washed downriver.
While the structure of the house stood strong despite being swamped with water, the mold and debris left behind made it unlivable.
“Largely we salvaged what we are going to salvage,” John Mackenzie said.
The family is currently staying at a friend’s home in town.
“I guess textbook grief, back and forth, back and forth, largely moving forward,” John Mackenzie said.
Neighbor Rachael Moragues’ basement was washed out and engineers are determining whether the house is safe to live in.
“Right now it is standing and we are really lucky, considering, but it could all get washed away. There is about a foot-and-a-half of earth left between my foundation and the river,” Moragues said.
My quick trip across the road to give Rachael the mic gives a bit of perspective on the damage.
“The Mackenzies’ house got it the worst by far and we will see what happens to mine but stick together,” Moragues said.
A sign on Main Street is a reminder of the local resident who lost his life during the storm. The close-knit town continues to grieve while helping others get back on their feet.
“I have not seen this many people I love supporting us since our wedding day,” Jenny Mackenzie said.
“And the idea of love being a practical, intentional thing,” John Mackenzie said.
Yet another community in the region coming closer together in the wake of the disaster.
Click here to visit the GoFundMe page set up to help the Mackenzies.