Storm Sandy blamed for 82 deaths in US, Canada
North American deaths from Sandy, the massive storm that tore through the U.S. East Coast, rose to at least 82 on Thursday as deaths reported in New York City jumped substantially, and fatalities in New Jersey also rose.
The latest New York City death count has risen to 34, New York City police said on Thursday morning. Fifteen of the city's dead were found on Staten Island, whose south-eastern flank took the full brunt of the Atlantic storm surge.
New Jersey State police confirmed the death toll in the state had reached 12 as search and rescue teams continued to access devastated areas.
The storm, at one point extending 1,000 miles (1,609 km) in diameter, has wound down into a broad weather system that is making its way north into Canada. It knocked out power for millions and crippled transportation systems along the densely populated coastal region. The last of its effects are being felt over the Appalachian mountains.
Copyright @ Thomson Reuters 2012
