During the recent storm that hit New York City, two men tragically lost their lives while attempting to respond to emergencies created by the flooding. Reports indicate that a 39-year-old man died in East Flatbush while trying to rescue a dog from a flooded basement. Another man, aged 43, perished in a boiler room in Washington Heights as he attempted to perform repairs amidst the torrential rains.
Storm Details and Impact
The storm, which occurred on Thursday, unleashed nearly three inches of rain within a two-hour period. According to Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol, the most intense rainfall saw one inch falling in just 10 minutes. This rapid downpour overwhelmed an already strained sewer system, which is designed to manage only 1.75 inches of rain per hour.
Locations of Fatalities
- Kingston Avenue, East Flatbush
- West 175th Street, Washington Heights
Authorities have yet to release the names of the deceased men. Both locations are categorized as areas with minimal flood hazards, raising concerns about the unexpected severity of the storm.
Contributing Factors
Mayor Eric Adams indicated that fallen leaves obstructed storm drains, exacerbating flooding conditions. The National Weather Service emphasized that, while the total rain was anticipated, the concentration of rainfall occurred over a much shorter timeframe than expected, primarily between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Neighborhoods Affected
The neighborhoods that experienced the worst effects included Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, and parts of uptown Manhattan. Comparatively, Hurricane Ida in 2021, which caused 13 fatalities across the city, dropped over three inches within just one hour.
Some neighborhoods reported total rain accumulation reaching up to nine inches. Tragically, during Hurricane Ida, many victims were in illegal basement apartments, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding housing safety during floods.
New Safety Measures and Future Plans
In response to these tragic events, the city’s Department of Buildings has initiated an online application for homeowners wishing to legalize basement and attic rental units. This initiative aims to alleviate New York’s housing shortage while incorporating new safety regulations. Approved units must now include:
- At least two exits
- A sprinkler system
- Restrictions on basement apartments in flood-prone areas
These measures underline the city’s commitment to improving housing safety and preventing future tragedies during severe weather events.
