CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Last week’s floods that wrecked many New Hampshire towns featured rivers racing at hundred-year levels for the second time in as many years.

The U.S. Geological Service now says that seven rivers hit their once-in-a-100-years marks during the spring nor’easter. Five rivers set new all-time records. Many were at the same levels during last year’s Mother’s Day floods.

The agency said such floods are happening more frequently and are predicted by climate change scientists.

More than 500 homes were damaged and 24 destroyed last week. Gov. John Lynch has asked for federal disaster aid, but there’s no word yet from Washington.

The five rivers with the highest levels ever recorded were the Oyster River near Durham, the Cocheco River near Rochester, Isinglass River near Dover, Piscataquog River near Goffstown, and Contoocook River at Peterborough.

They, along with the Exeter and Lamprey rivers, hit flow levels that historic data indicate should happen once every 100 years.

The Lamprey, Exeter and Piscataquog saw 100-year floods just a year ago during the Mother’s Day floods. The Alstead floods in October 2005 were considered to be a 500-year event.

“It’s interesting that we’re seeing this event happening with more frequency. There is definitely a trend toward more intense rain events,” said Keith Robinson, USGS hydrologist for New Hampshire and Vermont. “It is what we’ve been told will come with climate change.”

On the recovery front, the state got its first major donation to a disaster relief fund, the third Gov. John Lynch has authorized in less than three years. Service Credit Union of Portsmouth made the $125,000 donation.

A total of 200 homes in seven counties suffered major damage and 24 were destroyed, according to the state Office of Emergency Management. Spokesman Jim Van Dongen said 551 homes in those counties suffered some damage.

He said 20 of the destroyed homes are in Merrimack County.

The state is awaiting word from President Bush on Lynch’s request for a declaration making the state, individuals, businesses and communities eligible for federal disaster assistance.