By Michael V. Cusenza
Several New York elected officials on Friday reflected on the ninth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, and the human and property destruction wrought by one of the most devastating natural disasters in city history.
“Today is a day to reflect on the damage caused by the storm and the lives that were lost, but also on how we all came together as a community and as a city to help those in need. I remember touring the destruction throughout my district, with homes flooded, businesses unable to open, and even parts of the Rockaway boardwalk hundreds of feet away from the beach. Together we were able to help residents get back into their homes, rebuild much of what was destroyed, and come back better than before,” State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) said. “On that day we were also reminded of the power of nature, and I’ve been fighting to better protect our coastal communities from the dangers of climate change so we never have to face that kind of situation again.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) added, “Nine years after Superstorm Sandy made landfall in New York, devastating families, destroying homes and our coastlines, we are not as far along as we should be on completing the crucial storm mitigation and climate resiliency projects needed to protect our frontline communities from extreme weather events. What we experienced as a result of Hurricane Ida serves as an all too clear reminder of the immediate threat of climate change, and why this work remains urgent and necessary. I will continue fighting for the funding needed to complete these critical projects, and remain committed to making sure New Yorkers get the relief they are owed. We cannot compromise on the long-term planning needed to ensure we never again experience the loss and heartbreak we did because of Superstorm Sandy.”
File Photo
Superstorm Sandy resulted in the deaths of 44 city residents and inflicted an estimated $19 billion in damages and lost economic activity across the five boroughs.
