At least 24 storm dead in New York: Police

The number of deaths in New York City from superstorm Sandy has risen from 18 to 24, police announced on Wednesday.

Many of the storm victims were killed by falling trees uprooted by the torrential wind and rains unleashed by the massive storm, which made landfall late Monday.

Other bodies have been found in flood-hit sections of the city which were inundated with unprecedented amounts of water, while one seafront district was ravaged by more than 20 blazes.

Officials have said New York's death toll could mount as the search for victims continues.

The rise in New York raises the death toll in the United States and Canada to at least 49.

Another 67 deaths in Caribbean countries were blamed on Sandy.