Death toll from US winter storm rises to 38 in Buffalo area

The Buffalo area of New York State in the United States is the hardest hit area by this winter storm.

According to Reuters, as of December 28, local time, the number of snowstorm-related deaths in the Buffalo, New York, area of the United States has risen to 38. According to NBC reports, as of the 27th, the death toll caused by snowstorms across the United States has reached 65.

According to reports, this round of snowstorm has brought a total of 1.32 meters of snowfall to the Buffalo area. The Buffalo government mobilized 100 National Guard troops and New York State Police to more effectively enforce traffic and social security controls.

Buffalo resident Chris: There's so much snow, cars are stuck, and people still want to drive in this snow, it's crazy.

Erie County Mayor Poloncarz said on the 28th that the National Guard will conduct door-to-door inspections in Erie County to identify more trapped people, and the death toll may increase. Poloncarz was also questioned whether the driving ban should have been implemented earlier.

The U.S. government's response to the winter storm has drawn more criticism. Fox News reported on the 28th that, "While millions of Americans are enduring a deadly storm that only occurs once in a decade, President Biden and his family have just arrived in the U.S. Virgin Islands to begin their vacation." According to reports, the U.S. President Biden will go to the U.S. Virgin Islands for vacation on December 27, and the vacation will last until January 2 next year. Just the day before Biden departed, he had just approved a state of emergency in New York State.

Currently, recovery efforts are ongoing in the Buffalo area. On the 28th, Buffalo Niagara International Airport has reopened. On the 29th, all driving bans in Erie County were also lifted, but the county's state of emergency remained. In addition, the local Buffalo Police Department also dispatches dedicated personnel to maintain social order and prevent violent crimes such as robberies. During this winter storm, local police have arrested eight robbery suspects.