BY CODY NELSON

The death toll from hurricane Sandy continues to rise in the Northeastern U.S. and Caribbean countries.

According to CNN, 97 people in the U.S. have been killed so far.

New York state was hit the worst in the U.S. with 48 reported dead.

President Obama has signed disaster declarations for more than a dozen states including New York. The declarations provide for help from federal agencies including the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency .

Over 2,200 FEMA workers have responded so far. A news release from the agency said they are providing support with operations such as search and rescue and logistical help.

The storm also hit Caribbean countries hard. The Wall Street Journal has reported 71 dead in the Caribbean. Haiti, where 54 people have been reported dead, has had the most casualties.