National Geographic Channel to air Hurricane Sandy documentary

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WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- National Geographic Channel says it plans to air an in-depth documentary about Sandy, the hurricane that devastated parts of New York and New Jersey.

NGC President Howard T. Owens said Monday the 1-hour program "Superstorm 2012" will premiere Thursday. It airs globally this month in 172 countries under the title "Superstorm New York: What Really Happened."

Hurricane Sandy caused more than 110 fatalities in the United States and paralyzed life for millions of people.

"This was a storm that is rewriting the record books," Owens said in a statement. "We watched the initial weather coverage, saw the tragic, ever-present news images of whole neighborhoods under water, cars floating in the streets of Manhattan and a coastline in ruins, and continue to follow the daunting stories of recovery and cleanup. Our goal in producing this film is to get the complete picture on why it happened, understand the science behind its extreme forces, and learn how it left behind such a tableau of damage, destruction and grief."

National Geographic Channel said it has also committed to running Red Cross PSAs during the premiere this week in the United States.

"It is important to not only bring our viewers the incredible detail behind this destructive storm and the unbelievable impact it had, but to also allow them an opportunity to reach out and help those affected by the aftermath," said Courteney Monroe, chief marketing officer for National Geographic Channels.