The Governments and residents of New York and New Jersey in the United States of America (USA) have today, Thursday, September 2, 2021, started counting the costs as the IDA’s remnants unleashed deadly, unprecedented floods that overwhelmed the two states as well as Pennsylvania and some other parts of the North East of the country.
Louisiana has been the hardest hit, with hundreds of thousands still without light and other basic necessities, but the new Governor of New York, the first female Governor of the state, Kathy Hochul, facing the first fire of her leadership, had, like the Governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, had last night, declared a state of emergency.
Many homes, especially basements were flooded or destroyed, New York’s subway was overwhelmed, traffic was paralyzed Wednesday night, several cars were submerged, many commuters spent the night in their cars and as at press time at least 17 people had been declared dead in New York and New Jersey.
Fire fighters are still searching for survivors, traffic snarls are still commonplace, especially as a consequence of broken down vehicles or flooded roads.
Governor Murphy of New Jersey, Thursday morning undertook a tour of affected areas, stressing that it will take time for normalcy to return.
First responders are being lauded for their efforts to contain the adverse effects of the tornado, the type of which has not been seen in many many years and which is said to be a consequence of climate change.
Gov. Kathy Hochul called the flash floods record shattering , saying “we should expect” more catastrophic storms and floods.
President Joe Biden has promised every assistance the federal government can offer.
Senator Chuk Schumer, Senate Majority leader, Rep. Gregory Meeks, Mayor Bill de Blasio and other officials also spoke concerning what must be done to ameliorate the effects of the disaster which is said to be the worst in 500 years and is a consequence of global warming.
