New York State a “major disaster” area – Obama

After the storm, the focus is on taking stock of the damage in New York.

Sandy claimed the lives of at least 18 people in the city. The transport system remains shut and half a million homes are still without power.

A record storm surge of 4.2 metres in central Manhattan sent water cascading down into the subway system.

“I walked through the part of Breezy Point that was absolutely devastated by the wind-fed, fast-moving fires that took out more than 80 homes last night, to describe it as looking like pictures we have seen of the end of World War II is not overstating it. The area was completely levelled, chimneys and foundations were all that was left of many of these homes.”, Mayor Michael Bloomberg told the press.

The record storm surge tore a 700 ton tanker from its moorings and deposited it onshore at nearby Staten Island. US President Barack Obama has declared a “major disaster” in New York State.
Some say it could take up to eight days to restore services fully.

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