Hurricane Ida - Mitigation and Preparedness for Flash-Flooding in New York City.

OBJECTIVES

Hurricane Ida delivered record rainfall to the northeast, resulting in 11 deaths in New York City. We review these deaths, identify risk factors, and discuss solutions to prevent recurrence.

METHODS

Deaths were confirmed by multiple sources. Locations of the deceased were obtained from obituaries and plotted on the NYC.gov flood-hazard map. Risk factor information of the decedents was collected when available. Current emergency response plans and mitigation efforts were identified on the NYC.gov officially sanctioned website.

RESULTS

All descendants resided in basement apartments. None of the deaths occurred in a location previously designated a "flood risk zone." While a flash flood emergency was issued during Hurricane Ida, guidance was not provided during the emergency. Flooding was compounded by the city's aging infrastructure and lack of green space.

CONCLUSIONS

Aging infrastructure, lack of pre-notification, illegal basement apartments, and lack of a planned response all appear to have played a role in these 11 deaths.