New York City, NY — Two men were found dead in flooded basements on Thursday after heavy rainstorms swept through New York City, overwhelming drainage systems and submerging low-lying homes across multiple boroughs.
Police confirmed that one man died in Brooklyn’s East Flatbush neighborhood and another in Washington Heights after floodwaters rose quickly during the storm.
Brooklyn Victim Tried to Save His Dog
Authorities said the first victim, a 39-year-old man, was found unconscious and unresponsive inside a flooded basement on East 91st Street in East Flatbush around 4:25 p.m.
The FDNY Scuba Team responded and pulled the man from the water before rushing him to Kings County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“I was here when they dragged his body out of the water,” said Akiva, the victim’s friend.
Neighbors told reporters that the man lived in the basement apartment and had gone back inside to rescue one of his two dogs, but was unable to escape.
“He was just a very pure, simple person,” Akiva added. “Didn’t really need much at all. He was a giver, he wasn’t a taker.”
According to Yahoo News, emergency crews continued pumping water out of nearby homes, as residents worried about another potential round of flooding.
“Every single time it rains, my heart and pressure goes up because I know what to expect,” said Renee Phillips, a local landlord.
Second Death Reported in Washington Heights
In a separate tragedy, police said a 43-year-old man was found unconscious in a flooded boiler room in Washington Heights on Thursday evening.
The NYPD Emergency Service Unit (ESU) removed the victim from the basement, and EMS pronounced him dead at the scene. Officials are still investigating both deaths but said flooding played a direct role in the fatalities.
Residents Call for Action as Flooding Worsens
The recent storm left several neighborhoods struggling with flooded roads, submerged vehicles, and impassable intersections. Many residents say the situation worsens every year and are demanding long-term fixes to New York City’s outdated drainage systems.
“Why are the roads paved so unevenly that all the water becomes like Noah’s ark here?” Akiva said. “Because people don’t think — maybe we should make things level.”
Others expressed frustration at the lack of government response despite repeated complaints.
“If I work every day, you know, and I pay my taxes and I’m crying out for help — somebody come out and help with the situation,” Phillips said. “I’m tired of crying out and nobody’s hearing me. But somebody’s hearing something today.”
Ongoing Investigation
Police and city officials are continuing to investigate both incidents. Authorities are urging New Yorkers who live in basement apartments to stay alert during storms and avoid entering flooded spaces due to the risk of electrocution, drowning, or structural collapse.
The two deaths mark another grim reminder of how extreme rainfall and urban flooding continue to threaten lives in the city’s most vulnerable areas.
What are your thoughts on this tragic situation and the city’s flooding challenges? Share your views in the comments below.
