New York City Council Opens Investigation Into Cold-Related Deaths

• Cold-related deaths rise in New York
• City Council opens investigation
• New winter wave ahead

According to the EFE news agency, deaths caused by the cold wave in New York have risen to 17, as reported this Wednesday by the city’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani.

The situation has generated institutional and social concern, to the point that the City Council announced it will investigate how the emergency was handled.

The review will take place through a public hearing scheduled for next week, in a context marked by new weather alerts.

The most recent death was confirmed after a body was found outdoors. The individual’s name has not been released.

According to the medical examiner, the cause of death is believed to be hypothermia, as in the other recorded cases.

Death Toll During New York Cold Wave

Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that this Wednesday marked the thirteenth consecutive day of extreme cold in the city.

During an event held at a public housing project in the borough of Queens, the local leader provided an updated assessment of the situation.

“Up to this morning, 17 New Yorkers have died outdoors during this cold,” he said.

Authorities reported that the victims were found in open spaces and directly exposed to freezing temperatures.

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The deaths occurred while several states across the country are facing a persistent cold wave.

In New York, weather conditions have been particularly severe since mid-January.

A Code Blue was declared on January 19 due to the harsh conditions.

This measure is activated when temperatures pose a serious risk to vulnerable populations.

Defense of the City’s Response

Mamdani defended his administration’s handling of the climate emergency.

The mayor reiterated that all possible outreach and prevention measures were implemented.

He explained that personnel were deployed across the streets to locate unhoused individuals and anyone in need of assistance.

He also stated that, in some cases, people were transported to safe locations even against their will.

The goal, he said, was to prevent more people from being exposed to potentially deadly conditions.

Despite these actions, the rising death toll has prompted criticism from various sectors.

Local media reported that the City Council’s Public Safety and Social Services committees have called for a hearing.

That session is scheduled for February 10.

Its purpose will be to analyze the city’s response to the emergency and the reported deaths.

New Weather Alert Worsens the Outlook

The City Council’s investigation coincides with New Yorkers preparing for another cold wave.

Subzero temperatures are forecast for the city this weekend.

This could further worsen conditions on the streets, many of which remain covered in snow and ice.

The National Weather Service warned of the arrival of another mass of extremely cold air.

According to the agency, it will combine with strong winds on Saturday and Sunday.

As a result, dangerously low wind chill values are expected.

The weather service also noted that the perceived temperature will be well below zero due to wind.

Low temperatures are also making it difficult for accumulated snow to melt.

This scenario increases the risks for people who remain outdoors.

The city thus faces a renewed challenge as the investigation into the cold-related deaths moves forward.