http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/11/hurricane_sandys_destruction_a.html An analysis of aerial imagery by the Federal Emergency Management Agency shows more than 500 buildings were destroyed outright, reduced to piles of debris, caved in or sliced into chunks.
An additional 5,000 structures suffered major damage from flooding or high winds, and some 24,000 were seen with minor damage. Floodwaters settled in tens of thousands of others, according to the federal agency’s preliminary damage assessments.
The same type of storm could happen again, but it is considered unlikely. There is 121 miles of the "Jersey shore." The surge was so high, the ocean met the bay up and down the coast. In addition, in North Jersey (much more densely populated) there were people that did not have flood insurance.
When these type of disasters occur in other parts of the country, everyone has and will pay. We will all pay either through taxes or insurance rates. Regardless of who or how likeable the governor is. My only hope is that they will use the money properly and rebuild wisely. This is not only a natural disaster to the area, but an economic one as well.
I will agree with you that the total estimated damages should not be covered by FEMA. People were paying insurance fees, as well. In any case, there are people that feel fortunate just to be alive. Hopefully, that will carry them through as their lives will never be the same.