Deadly Storm Scrambles US East Coast

(New York) – US President Barack Obama has declared a “major disaster” in New York state after storm Sandy smashed into the US East Coast, causing flooding and cutting power to millions. A record 13ft tidal surge sent seawater cascading into large parts of New York City’s subway system. Across the city, a power sub-station exploded, a hospital was evacuated and fire destroyed 50 homes. At least 32 people are reported dead across several US states.
At least eight million homes and businesses are without power, says the US Department of Energy. In all, about 50 million people have been affected by the storm, with up to a million ordered to evacuate their homes.