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People rescued from roofs in New Jersey

Posted at 9:33 AM, Oct 30, 2012
and last updated 2012-10-30 09:33:33-04

By the CNN Wire Staff

(CNN) -- Rescuers brought hundreds of people to safety, including some trapped on the roofs of trailer homes, in New Jersey communities near New York City that flooded when a tidal surge spawned by superstorm Sandy overwhelmed a natural berm, Gov. Chris Christie told CNN on Tuesday.

Christie said hundreds more people needed to be rescued in trailer parks in the affected area that included Moonachie, Little Ferry and Carlstadt in Bergen County, about five miles west of upper Manhattan.

No deaths have been reported, Christie said.

Local officials said much of the area was under 5 or 6 feet of water, and rescuers used boats to reach people trapped in their residences.

"We're in search-and-rescue mode," said Jeanne Baratta of the Bergen County police, adding earlier that more than 1,000 people still need to be rescued on Tuesday morning. She said some injuries had occurred, but no further details were available.

Earlier, Little Ferry Police Chief Ralph Verdi said 75% of the town was under up to 6 feet of water.

CNN's Tom Cohen and Brian Todd contributed to this report.

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