Storm hits the United States, leaving two dead

Starting from the evening of August 18 local time, a storm hit parts of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut in the United States and triggered floods. It has led to at least two deaths and more than 100 people being evacuated. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency in the state on August 19.

According to reports, both fatalities occurred on the 18th when two people were swept away by the swift current on the highway. Lamont said that the storm since the 18th has brought a record-breaking 13 inches (330.2 millimeters) of rainfall to some areas of the state. "The sudden heavy rain and floods have caused serious damage to the infrastructure in parts of the western part of the state, forcing people to evacuate and wait for rescue, closing more than twenty roads, and it is expected that these roads will remain closed for a long time."

The National Weather Service warned that more rain and scattered thunderstorms on the 19th may bring more floods to southwestern Connecticut and parts of northeastern New Jersey and Long Island in New York. Lamont strongly advised residents in western Connecticut to "check the latest conditions before traveling" and advised people not to drive through flooded roads.

The main reason for Connecticut to enter a state of emergency is that the floods caused by heavy rain have brought serious casualties and infrastructure damage to the state. Entering a state of emergency helps the government concentrate resources and power to carry out rescue, evacuation, and recovery work more efficiently and ensure the life safety and basic living needs of residents. At the same time, it can also obtain assistance and support from the federal government more quickly to deal with various problems caused by disasters.