The death toll in the US city of Buffalo hits 28. This as a monster winter storm is battering North America.
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Emergency crews in the United States are ramping up their rescue efforts after what has been called the ‘blizzard of the century’ blanketed the western New York state. The mayor of Buffalo, Byron Brown said that an additional 7 storm-related deaths were recorded. Thus, the New York city has seen at least 28 people.
The storm has also forced the cancellations of flights, and thousands of passengers were left stranded across the country.
The fierce cold has come at a time synonymous with socializing and family gatherings. More than 4,000 people in the Buffalo area are reportedly without power – at the peak of the storm – at least 20,000 people were without power.
People as far south as the US-Mexico border felt the immense cold over the busy holiday weekend, knocking out power for as many as 1.8 million people.
Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gragmalia said looting was continuous in the area. So far, four people were arrested. “This isn’t people stealing food and medicine and diapers,” he explained. “They’re destroying stores…stealing televisions, couches, whatever else they can get their hands on. They’re opportunists.”
Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration, allowing federal support for New York. The President shared his heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones to the storm.
Thousands of flights nationwide have been canceled around the holidays.
Our Administration is working to ensure airlines are held accountable.
If you’ve been affected by cancellations, go to @USDOT’s dashboard to see if you’re entitled to compensation. https://t.co/r0YBCPyKes https://t.co/1ZdqhBOAoL
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 27, 2022
Western New York was the hardest hit. Officials says that emergency personnel were forced to go from car to car in search of survivors. Sometimes finding bodies in cars and snow banks.
zahraa@smile904.fm
