45 dead as rains pound northeast

Update: Death toll crosses 40.

New Jersey with the most deaths at 23, NYC death toll crossed 13, a state-trooper died in Connecticut while five people have died in Pennsylvania.

Virginia and Maryland have also reported deaths.

Update: Death toll crosses 12.

Update: Over 100 people have been rescued in Philadelphia.

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At least ten people have died following the record-breaking rainfall that has gripped the northeast since Wednesday.

As Hurricane Ida hit the Gulf, bringing destruction in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, it’s strong winds and clouds have brought destruction in the northeast.

State of emergencies were declared in New York and New Jersey, and people were strongly advised to stay in their homes and not go outside as the deep waters and broken power cables could prove fatal.

Flights and transit services were also impacted with services being suspended.

FEMA teams are now assessing the damages and say it’s not over yet as they expect Ida to deal more damage before finally leaving.

Floodwaters have engulfed parts of the worst hit cities in New Jersey and there are reports of two young adults being swept away into the river.

The Mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey has compared the destruction with what Hurricane Irene brought, citing the record-breaking rain, broken power lines, emergency calls and abandoned vehicles, Mayor Ravi Bhalla said areas that didn’t have a history of flooding were also affected by the rain that lasted for about 8 hours.

In New York City, the Fire Department has rescued hundreds from flooded roads and cars. A survivor from Queens’ collapsed building later died at the hospital.

New York’s Westchester county has also declared a state of emergency, suspending all public transport as the roads are “impassable” with areas in the county that had no prior history of flooding left under water.

Philadelphia too is facing flashfloods after Schuylkill river rose over a feet during the 8-hour period of the rainfall. The city’s transport system has been affected by it causing delays and cancellations.

Other cities in Pennsylvania are also suffering from flashfloods with rescue operations being conducted to save those stranded out on roads and in their homes.