PHILADELPHIA, PA — Hurricane Sandy proved to be one of the most severe natural disasters the region has ever seen. Thirty-nine people were killed (mostly from trees.) There were a record number of responses to 911 calls in Philadelphia at more than 1,300.
Ocean City, Atlantic City and other shore communities were devastated. The beaches are on the streets and portions of the boardwalk in the ocean.
Overall estimates of damage are greater than 20 billion dollars, thought the cost of the Wall Street closure will take time to evaluate. It is the first time since 1888 the exchange has been closed for more than one day.