At Least 13 Dead from Hypothermia in New York Amidst Cold Wave

At least 13 people have died in New York City due to hypothermia as the city experiences a severe cold wave. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that these deaths occurred in the last 11 days.

In a press conference, Mamdani stated that 16 New Yorkers died outdoors during the cold wave, and in 13 cases, hypothermia played a role. The other three cases appear to be due to overdose. None of the deceased were homeless at the time of death, although some had contacted shelter services in the past.

New York City may be experiencing the longest continuous period of sub-zero temperatures in its history. The municipal authority has mobilized 20 vehicles with health personnel and emergency heating centers to address the situation.

City Comptroller Mark Levine estimates that tens of thousands of New Yorkers are homeless, especially families with children. Almost 95% reside in municipal shelters. In August 2021, the shelters housed 44,586 people.