Hurricane Sandy

[Woman in front of a damaged home caused by Hurricane Sandy], 10/29/2012, 2014.010.8, Michael Claro Hurricane Sandy Photographs, 2010.010; Brooklyn Historical Society.

It’s hard to believe five years have passed since Hurricane Sandy hit the New York City region. The city is still recovering from the devastation caused to homes, businesses, public transportation, and lives since the 2012 superstorm. We are heartbroken to hear of the devastation caused by storms in the Caribbean, Florida, and Texas. If you feel inclined, we hope you will consider a contribution or donating blood for the continued relief efforts.

This week's photograph shows a woman and dog in front of a damaged home near Coney Island the day after Hurricane Sandy in 2012. This photograph is part of a collection from Michael Claro, a resident of  the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, who drove along the Belt Parkway toward Coney Island the day after the storm and took photographs of what he saw throughout his sometimes obstructed drive. About the above photograph, Claro says, “Finally I reached the beach. Damaged sea walls, ruined cars, age-old landmarks destroyed, all of this seemed inconsequential when, as I looked out toward the ocean, I heard a woman’s voice breaking down to a loved one as she spoke on the phone close by. I turned to see this and, well…that about sums it up.”

You can view the rest of the images from this collection here. Also, be sure to check out the most recent episode of Flatbush +Main for further discussion on remembering and documenting Hurricane Sandy.

Interested in seeing more photos from BHS’s collection? Visit our online image gallery, which includes a selection of our images. Interested in seeing even more historic Brooklyn images? Visit our Brooklyn Visual Heritage website here. To search BHS’s entire collection of images, archives, maps, and special collections visit BHS’s Othmer Library Wed-Sat, 1:00-5:00 p.m. library@brooklynhistory.org