NYC subway flooding ignites concerns over stormwater infrastructure

Officials in New York are re-examining the city's infrastructure and stormwater systems following flash flooding last week that inundated parts of the city's underground subway system.  

MTA Chairman Janno Lieber told Fox 5 News the flooding was due to the city's sewer system backing up, noting that the current system is only meant to handle flash flood incidents every five years or so. 

According to social media footage and MTA reports, several subway stations flooded last Monday after heavy rains hit the region. Passengers were stranded as floodwaters submerged station platforms, with some water even leaking into subway cars. 

MTA authorities stated that the frequency of flood events is increasing to occur every year. 

According to Fox 5 News, New York City officials say they've cleared the sewers surrounding 45 subway stations that have experienced severe flooding in the past.

City officials stated that the cost to address the problem could be staggering-- estimating about $30 billion and 15–20 years to properly address the stormwater resilience of the city's underground infrastructure.

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