More hurricane aid comes to city as death toll rises

Hurricane Sandy's death toll rose again Thursday as the city struggles to return to any degree of normalcy.

As of Thursday afternoon, 38 storm-related deaths were recorded in the city, according to Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The mayor said the number would continue to grow as first responders head to the worst-hit areas of the city.

"Unfortunately, nature produces great risks," he said.

Among the dead were two Staten Island toddlers who were missing since the storm hit Monday. The mother, who wasn't named by officials, identified the bodies of the 2- and 4-year-old boys after officers found them in a marshland Thursday morning.

She had tried to get her sons to safety after her SUV stalled in the middle of a road when it got flooded Monday, but the current separated them.

For thousands of New Yorkers who were not seriously hurt, but displaced, more help is on its way. The city began delivering food and water to residents in areas without power and will be opening disaster centers where residents can recharge phones, apply for aid and get other assistance.

Sen. Charles Schumer said FEMA would pay 100% of the costs to restore electricity through next week and that it would pay for all of the costs of emergency transportation.

The mayor said a quick and safe recovery would be the best way to honor the lives lost.

"What we've got to do is recover for their families and make sure that this city and those they left behind have a future," he said.

***

If you need help

Con Edison
1-800-752-6633 coned.com

FEMA
1-800-321-3362 disasterassistance.gov

Food & Water Distribution Sites
-- 10th Street between Avenues C and D
-- Catherine Street betweeen Monroe and Cherry Streets (Smith Houses)
-- Pitt and Houston Streets
-- Grand and Clinton Streets (water only)
-- Bowery and Division Street (Confucius Plaza)