Sun Helps New England Dry Out, Begin Cleanup

Tap water flowed freely, highways were reopened and life took on a semblance of normalcy Wednesday as bright sunshine returned to parts of New England ravaged by some of the worst floods on record.

Damage estimates after two days of heavy rains approached $100 million in Massachusetts, and in Maine, where the storm dumped 18 inches in some communities, a preliminary estimate set damage at $10 million.

President Clinton gave disaster status to five eastern Massachusetts counties, and Gov. Angus King asked him to declare two Maine counties disaster areas as well, making emergency aid available to flood victims.

An estimated 120,000 Portland Water District customers whose taps ran dry Tuesday because of flood-related breaks in the system were able to shower, shave and flush their toilets Wednesday as water pressure returned to normal.

Officials began testing the water for bacterial contamination but advised residents to boil water for at least five minutes before using it for drinking, washing food or brushing teeth.