NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Mayor Zohran Mamdnai said Monday that 16 people have been found dead outdoors since the deep freeze began in NYC more than a week ago.
Of the 16 people found outdoors since Jan. 24, preliminary findings indicate 13 died of hypothermia and three of drug overdoses, the mayor said.
None of the victims were found dead in encampments, which some have called on the city to dismantle for the safety of homeless people hesitant to go to shelters.
Mamdani has ordered more outreach in the meantime, with teams fanning out across the city day and night to get people indoors.
“We’ve expanded more mobile warming units to a fleet of 20, which are moving throughout the city equipped with clinical staff to treat New Yorkers' needs and get them off the street,” the mayor said.
Mamdani said teams have been able to get about 1,000 people off the streets since the cold snap began.
The snow cleanup is continuing, as well. Mamdani said city agencies are helping sanitation crews who continue to dig out streets, curbs and corners.
While temps are a bit warmer this week—highs will reach about 32 on Monday and Tuesday—conditions are expected to remain around the freezing mark for the rest of this week. When all is said and done, this could be the longest bout of freezing weather in NYC in 65 years.