Obama to storm-battered New Yorkers: 'You're tough' President Barack Obama addresses the media after touring the New York City area to survey damage done by Hurricane Sandy. President Barack Obama toured some of the hardest-hit areas of New York City on Thursday, neighborhoods still littered with the rubble of shattered lives and homes. Obama's first look at New York's devastation included a helicopter tour above Queens and a visit to Staten Island, where he greeted people in a FEMA tent and then set out on a walking tour. I'm very proud of you, New York. You're tough," Obama said in brief remarks after walking through a storm-stricken neighborhood. While many in the region have moved on since Sandy swept through the area, killing more than a 100 people and leaving millions without power, much work remains: Thousands are still without power, tens of thousands are homeless, and many more are trying to pick up the pieces. "We Americans are going to stand with each other in our hour of need," Obama said. People still need emergency help, they still need heat, they still need food. We're going to make sure we stay here as long as people need help. Diane Rivera, of Staten Island, described the storm's impact on her life. "Heartbreak, absolute heartbreak," Rivera said. We had a nice house and family here, and we were happy here and it's gone. During his tour, Obama met with affected families, local officials and first responders dealing with Sandy's destruction. He promised that the federal government would do all it could to help. The president was joined by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, both New York Democrats, traveled with the president too. President Barack Obama speaks to residents in Staten Island, N.Y., as he visits areas impacted by Hurricane Sandy. "Seventeen days ago, we felt a new vulnerability for the first time," said Cuomo. We must reknit the fabric of tattered communities. Has Sandy left you in the lurch? If you're in need of aid and not getting any, we'd like to hear from you.