​Torrential rains inundate New York City, brings chaos to subways and streets​

Heavy overnight rainfall has led to a state of emergency being declared in New York City, causing widespread disruption in one of the wettest days the city has seen in decades. Both airports and subway systems are operating below capacity owing to severe water logging. At LaGuardia Airport, one terminal has been closed and nearly 200 flights have been delayed. Travel within the city is extremely challenging, with cars half-submerged, roads blocked and traffic at a standstill. Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul have urged residents to stay indoors and plan for emergencies. In Brooklyn, many subway lines have been closed as water flooded stations, compromising the city's expansive subway network that millions rely on for daily commutes. In Manhattan, Grand Central Terminal had to cancel trains, leaving commuters stranded for hours. Ahmed Abdou, a local cab driver, told AFP that such flooding issues are not uncommon in the city, criticising the state of the subway system. Rohit Aggarwala, the city's Environmental Protection Commissioner, attributed the extreme weather and ineffective infrastructure response to climate change. The incident has elevated concerns about the growing impact of global warming on the city's ageing infrastructure.