Vermont Flooding: Devastation Widespread; More Rescue, Intervention Troops Needed

"It is both devastating and unbelievable," Gov. Peter Shumlin said after a day spent touring the state by helicopter. He noted that every aspect of small-town life -- homes, businesses, churches -- has been affected. "Lots of tragedy," Shumlin said.

Dozens, if not hundreds of people remained stranded with dwindling provisions of food and water after bridges collapsed and hundreds of roads remained under water, The New York Times reported Monday. Swollen rivers continued to be a threat. And two dozen emergency shelters were "chock-full" of hundreds of people displaced from flooded homes, Shumlin said.

The state government suffered losses as well.

"The Waterbury complex was devastated," Shumlin said, referring to a large office complex for state employees. "It is not usable for the next several weeks."

State workers whose offices are in Waterbury are to stay at home until they are told where they should report, Shumlin added.

Also, at least two city workers who were tending a municipal water system in the central part of the state are missing and feared dead. As of Monday afternoon, Irene had caused at least 32 deaths in 10 states, according to The Associated Press.

Leahy Tours State: Shocking

U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., joined Shumlin on the statewide tour.

"I've not seen anything that has shocked me so much," said Leahy, a public official since the 1960s.