UPDATE: Two men tragically lost their lives in flooded basements during a severe rainstorm that swept through New York City on October 26, 2023. As torrential downpours continued, flash flooding left several neighborhoods underwater, prompting emergency responses across the five boroughs.
Around 4 p.m., a 39-year-old man was discovered unresponsive in his basement apartment at 564 Kingston Ave. in East Flatbush. Neighbors reported that he had bravely attempted to rescue his two dogs as floodwaters surged into his home. He managed to save one dog, named Luna, but was overwhelmed while trying to retrieve his second pet. Despite firefighters’ efforts using specialized equipment, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The man’s identity has not yet been released.
“It’s heartbreaking. He loved those dogs,”
said a neighbor, reflecting the community’s shock and sorrow.
In another incident, at approximately 4:45 p.m., a 43-year-old man identified as Juan Carlos Montoya Hernandez was found unconscious in the flooded basement of his building at 701 West 175th St.. He too was pronounced dead at the scene, further underscoring the devastating impact of this storm.
The National Weather Service reported that over 2 inches of rain fell across parts of NYC, with Central Park breaking a 108-year-old rainfall record, recording more than 1.8 inches in just one day. Some areas faced even heavier rainfall, with Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn receiving nearly 2.8 inches. Other significant totals included 2.64 inches in Ozone Park, Queens, and 2.34 inches in Fordham, Bronx.
Flash flooding began in the mid-afternoon, rendering major roads impassable, including lanes on the George Washington Bridge and sections of the JFK Expressway. Emergency crews undertook multiple water rescues in neighborhoods like Bed-Stuy and Riverdale, where vehicles were submerged.
As the city grapples with the aftermath, the Department of Buildings issued a partial vacate order for the East Flatbush residence, citing violations such as illegal basement conversions. Just last year, a complaint had been filed regarding unsafe living conditions, revealing a disturbing history of housing issues in the building.
A wind advisory is now in effect through midnight Friday, with sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts reaching up to 50 mph. The fierce weather is expected to ease overnight, but the community remains vigilant as recovery efforts continue.
With the city still reeling from the storm’s impacts, residents are encouraged to stay safe and report any flooding or emergencies to local authorities. The situation is developing, and further updates are expected as officials assess the full extent of damages and initiate recovery processes.
