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It was a horrific scene while the flood waters started to rise rapidly as Diane Norris and her 89-year-old mother headed for the front door of their Staten Island home.

EXCLUSIVE BLOG: The Grave Truth: Staten Island Is The “Forgotten Borough,” Even In A Natural Disaster

Impossible to exit because of the surge from Hurricane Sandy, they stood in the dark while Diane’s screams went unheard: 

“I was screaming ‘Help somebody, help us. She screamed. The [neighbor] was calling 911 for us but they couldn’t come in.”

Around 4 a.m., more than seven hours after flood waters peaked at about 12 feet in this low-lying densely-residential area, Norris’ elderly mother finally gave up her battle against the elements.

Norris told the Daily News:

“She said: ‘Diane, I can’t do this anymore’ and she just went down in my arms. And I couldn’t hold her.”

Ella Norris died inside the Buel Ave. apartment in the early hours of Tuesday morning as Hurricane Sandy wreaked devastation on this close-knit Staten Island community.

Despite repeated warnings to evacuate the Zone A district, many residents chose to stay and guard their homes, unwilling to believe the storm would be as ferocious or deadly as officials warned. It was a decision they all now regret.

Staten Island has become the forgotten borough, as many residents have been left stranded with no power or no means to get back to their daily lives.

SOURCE: NYDN

Check out some information below on how you can begin to help Staten Island rebuild. 

– Have photos of your damage? Be sure to send them to local television stations and demand that we are forgotten no more.

– Staten Islanders were told to gather for free food and water from the city at 3 p.m. at two drop off points: Mill Road and New Dorp Ln., and at an empty lot at Yetman Ave. and Hylan Blvd. Please feel free to show up at any of these points with donations if possible.

– Staten Islanders in the Midland Beach, Ocean Breeze and other East Shore communities need your help. Still without power, and some with their homes damaged or in ruins, thousands are suffering in the cold without food, water or other essentials. They are asking for donations of: Clothing, blankets, food, towels, water, pet food and anyone willing to volunteer at the site is urged to report to Rab’s. Via: SILive

– Staten Island residents affected by the storm can begin to fill out their FEMA applications here.   

Find out additional information about food and water distribution sites throughout the city here.