Mayor Reports Increase in Cold-Related Deaths

Mayor Zoran Mamdani revealed on Wednesday that yet another New Yorker was found deceased in the severe cold, raising the total number of deaths linked to the extreme temperatures to 17.

During his announcement at a NYCHA building in Far Rockaway, Queens, he also disclosed a $38 million plan to upgrade the aging heating system of the housing project.

“As of this morning, 17 New Yorkers have died outdoors in this cold,” Mamdani remarked, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

He pointed out, “Today marks the 13th day of this relentless cold.” While city officials did not provide details about the latest victim, they noted that the previous 16 outdoor fatalities occurred between January 24 and Sunday, with 13 attributed to hypothermia and three likely linked to overdose.

The recent rise in deaths comes as the city braces for another bitterly cold weekend, with forecasts predicting a new wave of frigid temperatures, chilling winds, and light snow starting Friday evening.

As winter continues, nearly two months remain in the season. In 2023, the latest available data indicates that 29 New Yorkers succumbed to the cold.

Mamdani has faced criticism after officials stated they would only encourage people to seek shelter “as a last resort” during the cold snap. He noted that no fatalities had been reported in the homeless encampments that the city opted not to clear.

This change in approach has sparked backlash from supporters, including Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who stood alongside the mayor during Wednesday’s press event.

Since the implementation of “Code Blue” on January 19, over 1,100 homeless individuals have been moved to shelters, with 20 forcibly removed from the streets, according to the mayor.