Death toll from Superstorm Sandy reaches 72

The death toll from Superstorm Sandy has risen to at least 72 people, as populations along the East Coast of the United States prepare to take the first steps towards returning to their daily routines.

About six million homes and businesses remain without power, mostly in New York and New Jersey, and some 20,000 people are still trapped at home in a single New Jersey city.

Speaking on Wednesday, US President Barack Obama told New Jersey residents that the government would support them "for the long haul".

The region took the brunt of its impact and is among the worst affected areas on the East Coast.

Sky News reports that New York's three major airports are expected to be open later but will be offering a limited number of flights.

Some services on the city's subway system - which suffered the worst damage in its 108-year history - will also resume.

Electricity outages continue as far west as Wisconsin in the Midwest and as far south as the Carolinas.

Power company Consolidated Edison says it could be the weekend before power is restored to Manhattan and Brooklyn, perhaps longer for other New York boroughs and the New York suburbs.

Forecasting firm IHS Global Insight predicted it would cause $20 billion in damage and $10 billion to $30 billion in lost business. Another firm, AIR Worldwide, estimated losses up to $15 billion.

Speaking on Wednesday, US President Barack Obama told New Jersey residents that the government would support them "for the long haul".

The region took the brunt of its impact and is among the worst affected areas on the East Coast.