Drowning Caused One-Third of Deaths From Hurricane Sandy

One-third of the victims who died because of Hurricane Sandy drowned, according to a U.S. report that emphasizes the need for plans that ensure residents are moved to safety.

Of 117 deaths caused by the October storm, 40 were from drowning, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said today in a report. Flooded homes in New York City accounted for almost half the drownings. New York state was the hardest hit by Sandy, with 53 deaths from all causes, followed by New Jersey with 34 and Pennsylvania with 12, the CDC said.