Brooklyn, one of the most populous and diverse boroughs of New York City, has been flooded by torrential rain that has caused widespread damage and disruption. Videos showing cars floating, subway stations submerged and streets turned into rivers have gone viral on social media, drawing attention to the severity of the situation. It has also fueled a myriad of religious conspiracy theories.
A State of Emergency Has Been Declared in New York
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for several counties, including Brooklyn, on Friday, as the rain continued to pour down. The state of emergency allows the governor to mobilize resources and personnel to assist local governments in response to the disaster.
According to the National Weather Service, Brooklyn received more than 10 inches of rain in 24 hours, breaking the previous record of 6.3 inches set in 2014. The weather service issued a flash flood warning for Brooklyn and other parts of New York City, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and seek higher ground if they live in low-lying areas.
The heavy rain has caused major disruptions to the public transportation system, especially in Brooklyn, where most subway lines were suspended or delayed due to water on the tracks. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority advised commuters to check its website for service updates before heading out. Bus service was also affected by the flooding.
The storm also impacted air travel, as John F. Kennedy International Airport announced that it was experiencing delays and cancellations due to the weather conditions. The airport advised travelers to contact their airlines for flight status.
The flooding also posed a serious risk to people living in basement apartments, especially in flood-prone areas. The city’s Office of Emergency Management issued a travel advisory, urging New Yorkers to stay home if possible and call 911 if they need emergency assistance or see someone in danger.
The storm is expected to continue until Saturday morning, with no relief in sight for Brooklyn and other parts of New York City. Officials warned that the situation could worsen as the heavy rain coincides with high tides in coastal areas. New Yorkers are advised to exercise caution and follow the instructions from local authorities as they cope with the flooding crisis.
Why the Extreme Flooding in Brooklyn New York is Fueling Religious Conspiracy Theories
Meanwhile, some conspiracy theorists have seized on the videos of Brooklyn being flooded as evidence of a biblical prophecy, or a divine punishment. Some have claimed that the flooding is a sign of the end times, citing passages from the Book of Revelation that describe cataclysmic events such as earthquakes, famines and plagues. Others have suggested that the flooding is a result of God’s wrath against New York for its liberal policies, and alleged sinful lifestyle.
These conspiracy theories are not new, as they have been circulated before in relation to other natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires and earthquakes. However, they have gained traction among some religious groups that tend to embrace biblical literalism and Christian nationalism.