New York began an arduous clean-up on Wednesday (October 31) after superstorm Sandy left severe flooding, power outages and crippled transportation.<br/> <br />In lower Manhattan, residents sifted through water-damaged belongings, piling rubbish and debris onto the streets.<br/> <br />Several businesses were forced to throw away goods and produce.<br/> <br />In some areas, floodwater continued to pour into the streets, as pumps worked to clear buildings left submerged in the Sandy's wake.<br/> <br />As the city was hit by a record onslaught, one worker said getting the city back to normal was a daunting task.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: CLEAN UP WORKER PETE WINTER SAYING (English):<br/> <br />"By far the worst, it's a catastrophe. It's going to take a long time to recover from it." [REPORTER ASKING: "How long do you estimate?"] "At least two, two and a half weeks before you see anything getting done."<br/> <br />Officials say they face unprecedented challenges restoring New York and its flooded subway system.<br/> <br />In the meantime, estimates suggest lost economic activity is costing up to 200 million dollars a day.
