New York faces 13 deaths from hypothermia in historic cold snap

At least 13 people have died of hypothermia in New York City (northeast) since the end of January, in a cold snap that has killed at least 100 people across the United States.

“As of this morning, 16 New Yorkers have died outdoors during this brutal cold snap. In 13 of these cases, preliminary findings indicate that hypothermia was a factor, and three of these deaths appear to have been caused by overdose,” announced the New York City Mayor.

At a press conference about the “strong cold front that continues to punish” the city, Zohran Mamdani highlighted that none of the victims lived in homeless camps at the time of the deaths.

Mamdani offered his condolences to the families of the deceased, in a statement warning that this was the “11th consecutive day with negative temperatures” in the city.

The mayor added that it was It is “very possible” that this was the “longest period” below zero degrees Celsius “in the entire history” of New York, which declared a state of emergency.

“The cold shows no sign of respite,” lamented Mamdani, before stressing that local authorities’ efforts to assist the population were also ongoing.

The mayor asked New Yorkers if they see someone in need, to call city services, where “social workers and first responders from the New York City Police Department and New York City Fire Department will respond and provide New Yorkers with the help they need.”

Meanwhile, city social workers have stepped up efforts to provide shelter to those in need, as well as installing mobile heating units.

“If you are listening now and are not sure if you will receive care, please let me be clear. Everyone will receive care. No one will be turned away,” Mamdani said.

The announcement came in the middle of a cold wave that hit the entire country and which, according to broadcaster CBS News, has already killed at least 100 people in the United States, from causes ranging from hypothermia to accidents involving cars, snow plows and sleds, as well as cardiac emergencies resulting from efforts to remove accumulated snow.