World
Ida death toll rises to 45 after storm hammers US Northeast
At least 45 people were killed in six states in the eastern United States (US) after the remnants of Hurricane Ida walloped the region with record-breaking rainfall— causing flash floods.
US President Joe Biden has declared an emergency in both New Jersey and New York saying, "historic investment" is needed to deal with the climate crisis.
Joe Biden enabled both states to receive federal funding to support in a bid of local disaster relief efforts.
As per sources, at least 12 people died in New York City after being trapped in flooded basements. While, 23 people lost their lives in New Jersey—most of them stuck in their vehicles as the waters rose.
Reportedly, five people died in Pennsylvania. Deaths were also reported in Maryland and Virginia
The US is facing climate-related destruction across the country and tackling it is "a matter of life and death", the president said.
So far, New York City and New Jersey saw unprecedented levels of rainfall.
More than one million homes and businesses in Louisiana and Mississippi remained without power after Ida toppled a major transmission tower and knocked out thousands of miles of lines and hundreds of substations.
Meanwhile, New Orleans was plunged into total darkness however, power began returning to parts of the city on Wednesday.
Following the deadly situation, Amtrak suspended all of its rail service between Boston and Washington on Thursday.
As per air travel, Newark Liberty International Airport said it had experienced severe flooding and cancelled more than 300 flights, evacuating an air traffic control tower because of intense winds.