Lower Manhattan gets power

NEW YORK ā?? The lights went back on Saturday in lower Manhattan, prompting screams of sweet relief from residents whoā??d been plunged into darkness for nearly five days by Superstorm Sandy. But the joy contrasted with deepening resentment in the cityā??s outer boroughs and suburbs over a continued lack of power and gas shortages

Lines snaked around gas stations for blocks all over the region, including northern New Jersey, where the governor imposed rationing.

At a refueling station in Brooklyn, where the National Guard gave away free gas, there was a mass of cars, desperate drivers and people on foot, carrying containers.

ā??I feel like a victim of Hurricane Katrina. I never thought it could happen here in New York, but itā??s happened.ā?¯ said Chris Damon, who had been waiting for 3 1/2 hours.

Damon, 42, had already been displaced to Brooklyn from his home in Queens, where he still lacked power, as did millions outside Manhattan ā?? from Staten Island, the hardest-hit borough, to Westchester County and other suburban areas.

ā??The priorities are showing, simply by the fact that Manhattan got their power back,ā?¯ said Domingo Isasi, who was in a gas line in Staten Island.

The Defense Department sent 5,000-gallon trucks to five locations around the New York City metropolitan area.

Hours later, after long lines formed, New York state officials said the public should stay away from the refueling stations until emergency responders first got their gas and more supplies were made available.

Gas rationing went into effect at noon in 12 counties of northern New Jersey, where police began enforcing rules to allow only motorists with odd-numbered license plates to refuel. Those with even-numbered plates must wait until Sunday.

About 2.6 million people remained without power in six states after Sandy came ashore Monday night.

About 900,000 people still didnā??t have electricity in the New York metropolitan area, including about 550,000 on Long Island, Cuomo said. About 80 percent of New York Cityā??s subway service has been restored, he added.