By Shah J. Chowdhury | New York, October 31, 2025
Heavy rainfall turned tragic in New York City as two people lost their lives after being trapped in flooded basements in Brooklyn and Washington Heights on Thursday evening.
The first incident occurred in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, where a 39-year-old man was found unconscious in a flooded basement. FDNY scuba units responded around 4:25 p.m. and pulled him out of the water. He was taken to Kings County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Neighbors said the victim lived in the basement and had gone down to rescue one of his dogs when he became trapped in rising water.
The second fatality took place in Washington Heights, Manhattan, where a 43-year-old man was found inside a flooded boiler room. NYPD Emergency Service Unit officers recovered the victim, but he was pronounced dead before arriving at the hospital.
In recent years, basement flooding has become a growing danger in New York City—especially for residents living in low-lying areas. Since Hurricane Ida in 2021, at least 11 people have died in similar basement drownings across the city.
“Every time it rains, my heart races,” said one resident. “We just don’t know when the next tragedy will happen.”
City officials have urged residents to avoid staying in basements during heavy rainfall, particularly in flood-prone neighborhoods. Emergency crews are working to reinforce drainage systems and provide assistance to affected residents.
Environmental experts warn that climate change is intensifying such extreme weather events, increasing the risk of flash flooding. They emphasize the urgent need to review housing safety standards, improve drainage systems, and strengthen citywide preparedness plans.
