Hurricane Ida Death Toll Rises to 45... "Many Still Missing"

23 Deaths Reported in New Jersey
Simultaneous Damage in 6 Eastern States... Death Toll Expected to Rise

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The death toll from Hurricane Ida, which swept through major northeastern U.S. cities including New York, has risen to 45. As recovery efforts begin in earnest, the number of fatalities is expected to increase further.

According to CNN and other foreign media on the 2nd (local time), the death toll from Hurricane Ida has been confirmed to be at least 45. Previously reported as at least around 20, the number of victims significantly increased after an additional 23 deaths were reported in New Jersey alone. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy explained at a press conference that "23 people have been confirmed dead in New Jersey so far, and many are still missing after being swept away by floodwaters, so the death toll is expected to rise further."

The areas affected by Hurricane Ida cover a wide region across six eastern states including New York City, New York State, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, causing delays in the tallying of casualties. CNN reported that many people are still missing after being swept away by strong currents, and the scale of damage is expected to increase significantly. Currently, states of emergency have been declared in New York City, New York State, and New Jersey.

According to the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS), the areas affected by Hurricane Ida in the northeastern U.S. experienced over 9 inches (approximately 22.9 cm) of rainfall in one day. Central Park, located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City, recorded 7.19 inches of rain, marking the highest rainfall since weather observations began in 1869. The hourly rainfall also set a record at 3.15 inches.

Since the previous day, power outages have affected more than 200,000 households in these areas, and major roads and subways have been flooded, paralyzing transportation in the region. By state, the current death toll stands at 12 in New York City and New York State, 23 in New Jersey, 5 in Pennsylvania, and 1 each in Maryland and Connecticut.