By Michael V. Cusenza
South Queens residents this week will solemnly mark the anniversary of Superstorm Sandy—a singular weather event that killed dozens of New Yorkers, wrought billions of dollars in destruction and lost revenue, and lifetimes of inescapable psychological trauma for those who lived through it.
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The superstorm left death and destruction in its wake.
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.
“Even now, more than a decade later, many are still recovering from that tragic day, and those who lost their loved ones will forever have a hole in their hearts,” said City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park). “May we pray for all those that were lost, remember and be there for their families, and work every day towards building more resiliency and a stronger community so we can resist whatever comes our way in the future.”
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Widespread flooding destroyed homes and businesses.
Officially categorized as a tropical cyclone, Sandy deluged Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach, and the Rockaways. On Nov. 26, Gov. Andrew Cuomo called Sandy “more impactful” than Hurricane Katrina, and estimated costs to New York at $42 billion. Approximately 100,000 residences on Long Island were destroyed or severely damaged, including 2,000 that were rendered uninhabitable. There were 53 Hurricane Sandy-related deaths in the state of New York. In 2016, the storm was determined to have been the worst to strike the New York City area since at least 1700.
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Rebuilding in Broad Channel.
