Photos this week: July 6-13, 2023 - CNN

Photos this week: July 6-13, 2023 | CNN

Catastrophic flooding, spawned by epic rainfall, damaged or destroyed countless homes in Vermont this past week.

The worst-hit areas include Barre, Ludlow, Londonderry, Andover and the state capital, Montpelier.

The state's governor estimated Wednesday that thousands of lives have been upended.

"I know thousands of Vermonters have lost homes, businesses and more," Gov. Phil Scott said. "The devastation is far-reaching."

President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for the state, and the state's public safety commissioner, Jennifer Morrison, said the recovery could take "years — if not a decade."

Here are some of the stories that made headlines over the past week, as well as some photos that caught our eye.