It was two years ago today that Hurricane Sandy came ashore and to mark the anniversary, Governor Andrew Cuomo has ordered flags on all state government buildings to be flown at half-staff.
He has also called for a moment of silence at 8 tonight.
Both the Governor and Mayor Bill de Blasio are expected to visit parts of the city hard hit by the storm today.
Sandy came ashore on October 29, 2012 with strong winds and rain, and a record 13 foot storm surge.
It killed more than 60 people across the state, destroyed thousands of homes, and caused billions of dollars in damage.
Two years after Sandy hit, state health officials say about 700,000 New York residents are still experiencing mental health issues related to the storm.
The Mental Health Association of New York City launched a program last week called iHelp: Sandy Stress Relief.
The free program offers access to counselors and help with anxiety, substance abuse and other issues.
For more information go online to ihelpcbt.com or call 1-866-793-2765.
Meantime, City Comptroller Scott Stringer says the city must do more to protect itself from another storm like Sandy or face a devastating economic impact.
A new report by Stringer’s office says there are now 85-thousand buildings worth a combined value of nearly $ 130 billion in flood zones across the city.
There were 24,000 buildings worth nearly $ 60 billion in those zones before the flood maps were redrawn last year.
Stringer says the report underscores the urgent need for projects that can protect the city against future storms.
Those projects include a storm drainage system, and the construction of seawalls.
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