Calls for change after 11 people in NYC basement apartments died during catastrophic floods

The deaths of 13 people, all but two of whom lived in basement apartments, during New York City's catastrophic flooding have renewed attention on the dwellings.

The deaths of 13 people, all but two of whom lived in basement apartments, during New York City's catastrophic flooding this week have renewed attention on the oftentimes illegal dwellings, with city officials looking to bolster evacuation efforts for vulnerable residents in extreme weather. A record 3.15 inches of rain fell in one hour in the city Wednesday, all but stalling the city's subway system and prompting dozens of water rescues. At least 13 people have been reported dead in New York City after the remnants of Hurricane Ida swept through the region. The rapid rainfall inundated residences away from the city's coastline not prone to flooding, damaging scores of homes and turning at least six basement apartments into death traps. "The danger came from above," as opposed to storm surge, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said during a press briefing Friday, while calling for more effective early warnings ahead of "wicked" weather that she said will undoubtedly become more frequent due to climate change.