New York sets up service centers to help residents recover from flash flooding

The service centers will provide those affected with in-person support and information on resources and services available, said a release by NYC Emergency Management.

NEW YORK - The emergency management and social service departments in New York City on Saturday announced the establishment of five service centers across the city in a bid to support individuals and families affected by flash floods brought by the remnants of hurricane Ida.

The service centers will provide those affected with in-person support and information on resources and services available, said a release by NYC Emergency Management.

"New York City government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations will be on-site to help connect families and individuals to critical services, including enrollment in public benefits and health insurance, housing, food assistance, and mental health counseling," said the release.

It was noted that visitors to these sites will not be asked about their immigration status.

The American Red Cross in Greater New York will assist in disaster relief management including referrals, distribution of emergency supplies, and applying for assistance as well as mental health counseling, according to NYC Emergency Management.

Meanwhile, NYC's Department of Sanitation said it would continue to pick up storm debris at curb over the weekend including the Labor Day holiday next Monday.

New York City and surrounding areas in the northeast of the United States suffered from tornadoes and flash floods and lost the lives of near 50 people in total as the remnants of hurricane Ida hit the area on Wednesday.

The federal government has approved an emergency disaster declaration in 14 counties of New York State including New York City and is expected to provide up to 5 million US dollars in immediate federal funding to support response operations in the early stage, according to a statement by the New York State government on Friday.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency began damage assessment on Friday and would expedite the process with the support of local governments, said New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

Power supply to over 8,200 customers affected by Tropical Storm Ida has been restored as of Thursday and planned to restore 95 percent of service interruptions by midnight on Friday, according to Consolidated Edison, Inc., which provides power in NYC and Westchester County.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Friday announced a climate-driven rain response plan involving more severe warnings, basement apartment evacuations and a 30-day extreme weather response task force to devise solutions quickly and expedite implementation.