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5h ago

Two Die in NYC Basements as Record Rainfall Triggers Flash Flooding

A brief cloudburst overwhelmed New York’s drainage capacity, underscoring basement flooding risks.

Vehicles move through floodwater in New York City, U.S. October 30, 2025, in this still image obtained from social media video. Mariah Whitmoyer/via REUTERS
A cyclist rides through floodwaters during a rainstorm in New York, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/David Martin)
A person drives a car through a flooded street amid rains in New York, U.S., October 30, 2025 in this screen grab obtained from a social media video. Abigail Ekue/via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. VERIFICATION Location verified by the design of the buildings, the trees and road layout that matched the file and satellite imagery of the area Date verified by original file metadata and weather reports
Image

Overview

  • Authorities identified the victims as Aaron Akaberi, 39, who reentered his East Flatbush basement to save a dog, and Juan Carlos Montoya Hernandez, 43, found in a Washington Heights boiler room where police said he appeared to be electrocuted while trying to use a pump.
  • Preliminary National Weather Service data showed daily records were set with 1.80 inches at Central Park and 1.97 inches at LaGuardia Airport.
  • Officials said much of the rainfall arrived in roughly a 10–20 minute burst, exceeding sewers designed for about 1.75 inches per hour.
  • Flash flood warnings covered Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and parts of Manhattan as streets, subway stations and basements rapidly filled and major roadways were temporarily closed.
  • Investigations and medical-examiner determinations are ongoing, flight delays and cancellations mounted at area airports, and the Department of Buildings issued a partial vacate order at the East Flatbush property.