NY housing warning as cold hits

US takes first steps back to normality after Sandy

A view shows debris on the shoreline next to an amusement park pier partially destroyed by Sandy in Seaside Park Photo: Reuters

The people of New York City and the East Coast of the US began their first steps back to a normal routine today, following the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy - which killed more than 60 people.

Millions of people still remain without power, but bus services and some subway networks are operating.

Two major airports reopened and the New York Stock Exchange came back to life, but the National Guard was still searching wrecked buildings in New Jersey for more survivors, or victims.

Washington Correspondent Robert Moore reports:

Thousands of people remain trapped in the New Jersey city of Hobroken by flood waters that are yet to subside. A message on the city's Facebook page reads:

Multiple National Guard trucks will be coming through flooded streets, first to evacuate those with true medical emergencies. Keep an eye out, go down to the lowest possible floor, but do not go outside. Signal to get their attention.

International Editor Bill Neely reports:

At the stock exchange, running on generator power, mayor Michael Bloomberg gave a thumbs-up and rang the opening bell to cheers from traders on the floor. Trading resumed after the first two-day weather shutdown since the Blizzard of 1888.

Mayor Bloomberg rings the opening bell in New York.
Mayor Bloomberg rings the opening bell in New York. Credit: Reuters

Kennedy and Newark airports reopened with limited service morning. New York's LaGuardia Airport, which suffered far worse damage and where water covered parts of runways, remained closed.

It was clear that restoring the region to its ordinarily frenetic pace could take days - and that rebuilding the hardest-hit communities and the transportation networks that link them together could take considerably longer.

Commuters make their way across the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.
Commuters make their way across the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. Credit: Reuters

Forecasting firm IHS Global Insight predicted the affect of Sandy will end up costing $50 billion as it causes up to about $20 billion in damage and $10 billion to $30 billion in lost business.

President Barack Obama visited the headquarters of FEMA (The Federal Emergency Management Agency) following Superstorm Sandy. He told staff America is not out of the woods yet, adding: "You all deserve a pat on the back".

President Obama visits FEMA headquarters following Sandy.
President Obama visits FEMA headquarters following Sandy. Credit: Reuters

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo told a news conference a limited subway service will begin on Thursday following its closure ahead of Sandy's arrival.

Workers attempt to repair the New York subway following Sandy.
Workers attempt to repair the New York subway following Sandy. Credit: Reuters

New York Mayor Bloomberg says mandatory evacuations in the city will not be lifted until the affected buildings are inspected.

But as America repairs to rebuild, Haiti, which has yet to recover from a devastating earthquake two years ago, is also counting the human and monetary cost of Sandy.

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