“Disaster tourists” flock to New York to see storm ravaged areas

NEW YORK – Hulking military vehicles and mud-caked cars moved slowly through a New York City waterfront neighbourhood still reeling from Superstorm Sandy. Then came a spotless SUV with three passengers peering out at mangled homes.

Residents have learned to recognize the disaster tourists – people drawn to the scene of tragedy.

“Sometimes it’s like we’re at the zoo,” said Mickey Merrell, whose front porch was askew. “So many people come and stop and stare at this place.”

Two weeks after Sandy hit, more than 75,000 people remained without power Monday in the most densely populated area of the United States. That included thousands of low-income people in public housing, where volunteers continued to go door-to-door in pitch-black towers to look for the elderly and infirm who’ve been unable to leave for help.

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An administration official said New York’s governor planned to request at least $30 billion in federal disaster aid. The official wasn’t authorized to speak publicly because the details weren’t final.

The storm ripped up seaside homes, businesses and boardwalks, and the camera-toting curious quickly followed.

“It’s a little annoying,” said resident Chris Nasella, who was cleaning up a home that had been reduced to a shell. “By the same token, I would do it, too. I don’t think anyone wouldn’t want to look at boats that are picked up and left on the streets. As long as you don’t get a kick out of it, it’s an amazing thing.”

Elsewhere, anger continued at the Long Island Power Authority, which on Monday said about 64,000 customers remained without power. Hundreds of residents have gathered to protest in recent days.

“We certainly understand the frustration that’s out there,” LIPA’s chief operating officer, Michael Hervey, said in a conference call Sunday. But he said the storm was worse than expected.