飓风桑迪袭击美国东海岸

Superstorm Sandy has left death and devastation in its wake, as millions along the US East Coast face life without power or mass transit. The US death toll climbed to at least 50 as of 11:00 a.m, Wednesday Beijing time.

Many of the victims were killed by falling trees. The storm cut power to more than 8 million homes, shut down 70 percent of the East Coast oil refineries and inflicted worse-than-expected damage in the New York metro area. Airlines have canceled 15,000 flights, stranding travelers around the globe.

Forecasting firm IHS Global Insight says Sandy will cause about 20 billion dollars in property damage and 10 to 30 billion dollars more in lost business. Analysts say the overall damage on the US economy will likely be limited.