ALSTEAD, N.H. -- The cleanup is under way following heavy rains this weekend that killed at least three people and left parts of New Hampshire under water.

The governor of New Hampshire declared a state of emergency after raging waters washed away homes, damaged bridges and roads.

NewsCenter 5's Gail Huff reported that three people are confirmed dead in the floods, and two others are missing.

Two of the confirmed deaths occurred when a young couple drove off a washed-out bridge into the Little Sugar River in Unity, N.H., on Sunday. The bodies of Steven Day, of Unity, and Ashley Gates, of Claremont, N.H., both 20, were found in the car, officials said.

A third, unidentified body was recovered from the waters of the Cold River. Officials are still searching the river in Alstead, N.H., for two others who are missing and feared dead.

About 1,000 residents were evacuated, with many spending the night in shelters.

"It was a disaster. Now I know how New Orleans felt," said tow truck operator Ray Faulkner.

Faulkner said he has spent the last few days fishing cars out of the water.

In Keene, officials estimate about a third of downtown is under water. Emergency crews are making their rounds in boats.

"Up here in Alstead and Acworth areas probably got hit the worst. We lost a few bridges, a lot of sections of road. We got as lot of people up there, trying to get them open again," said Jim Ray, of the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.

Experts say the damage was caused by too much rain in too little time. Ray said his rain gauge at home hit 10½ inches and overflowed.

"Everything got saturated and the drainage system just couldn’t handle it," Ray said.

A dam on Warren Lake in Alstead breached early Sunday, sending a 4- to 5-foot wall of water downstream, damaging at least a half-dozen bridges along Route 123.

"It looks like an earthquake hit it down there. The road is just all a shambles. Some parts of it are 3 feet higher than the rest -- washed out, boulders everywhere, houses all the way down in Alstead, houses are gone," said one resident.

About 500 National Guard troops looked for stranded drivers or residents flooded out of their homes Sunday night. The troops are providing security to the residents and working to rebuild some of the washed-out bridges.

"We got rescued last night around 1 o'clock with a ladder and a rope. I think we're terribly lucky, personally. A little bit of damage, but there's a lot of people with a lot worse," said one Alstead resident.

The central part of New Hampshire wasn't spared. The New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon was flooded. The water was nearly up to the roof of the garages.

Track officials said a small dam burst nearby, flooding the racetrack, garage, pits and parking lots.

New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch visited the area Monday morning and said it will take some time for the region to recover.

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Giving Help

Anyone interested in helping out with flood relief efforts can give donations to the American Red Cross by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW. Be sure to specify that the money is for New Hampshire flood relief.

Also, the Salvation Army is accepting donations. The organization has fed more than 200 people so far, and 25 families that lost everything are currently getting direct help. More may seek aid as the waters receded.

The Salvation Army said it is in need of food, gift cards for purchasing undergarments and cleaning supplies. Small furnishings will also be accepted, as long as they are in good condition. Anyone interested in donating furniture should call (603) 225-5586 first so that donations can be matched with specific families.

Checks can be made out to: The Salvation Army, 58 Clinton St., Concord, NH 03301. In the memo of the check, donors should write: For NH Flood Victims.