URGENT UPDATE: At least two people have died in separate basement flooding incidents across New York City as the region grapples with unprecedented rainfall on July 13, 2023. The New York Police Department (NYPD) reports that emergency responders are actively working on rescue operations and recovery efforts amidst this ongoing crisis.
Authorities confirmed that a 39-year-old man in Flatbush, Brooklyn, became trapped in a flooded basement after attempting to rescue his dogs. Emergency teams, including the fire department’s scuba unit, were dispatched, but the man was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to a local hospital. His neighbor, Renée Phillips, shared a heart-wrenching account, stating, “This day has been horrific,” as she recounted his brave but tragic attempt to save his pets.
In a second incident, NYPD responded to a report in Washington Heights, Manhattan, where a 43-year-old man was found unresponsive in a basement boiler room. Despite immediate efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The identities of the victims have not yet been released pending family notifications, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding their deaths are ongoing.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed deep sorrow over the fatalities, tweeting, “We’re devastated that two New Yorkers have died due to today’s rainfall. Their deaths are tragedies.” He emphasized that the NYC Emergency Management is committed to educating residents on how to prepare for flooding emergencies.
Today’s torrential downpour shattered three daily rainfall records, surprising residents and officials alike. Initially forecasted for gradual accumulation, the deluge unleashed its fury in less than 10 minutes, overwhelming drainage systems and leading to significant flooding. The New York City Parks Department logged over 140 calls regarding downed trees, while thousands experienced power outages across the area.
The severe weather disrupted air travel with ground stops and delays reported at John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is also managing subway delays due to water accumulation on the tracks.
Officials noted that this storm is part of a troubling trend of intense, short-lived rain events that have become increasingly common in recent years. A spokesperson for the city’s environmental protection department stated, “DEP teams continue to respond across the city to address flooding reports and assist with drainage efforts.”
As rescue operations continue and investigations unfold, New Yorkers are urged to remain vigilant. The impact of this catastrophic weather event underscores the urgent need for preparedness in the face of increasingly severe climate conditions.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
