Major Disaster Declaration for Erev Sukkos Floods

C.G. Hoffman

In the wake of the disastrous heavy rains and subsequent flooding that Brooklyn experienced this Erev Sukkos, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the President has approved her request to deem it a Major Disaster Declaration.

This will allow for federal assistance to local governments for recovery and reconstruction efforts, including debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure. The state has also secured low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration for home and business-owners that were affected.

“I’m committed to securing every possible dollar of federal aid to help the people of New York,” Governor Hochul said. “The major storm in September caused significant damage, and we’ll continue our efforts to help communities recover and rebuild.”

More than eight inches of rain fell in parts of Brooklyn on September 29, 2023 in a 24 hour period. The subsequent flooding in parts of Boro Park made for an especially chaotic pre-Yom Tov situation. At the time, Governor Hochul had declared a State of Emergency, which allowed for advance preparation as well as an enhanced emergency response system.