Efforts to recover, rebuild remain one year after Superstorm Sandy

LONG ISLAND (FOX NEWS) -- Nearly a year after Superstorm Sandy struck the East Coast, efforts to recover and rebuild are ongoing.

Hurricane Sandy (unofficially known as "Superstorm Sandy") was the deadliest and most destructive hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season, as well as the second-costliest hurricane in United States history.

Classified as the 18th named storm, 10th hurricane and second major hurricane of the year, Sandy was a Category 3 storm at its peak intensity when it made landfall in Cuba.

While it was a Category 2 storm off the coast of the Northeastern United States, the storm became the largest Atlantic hurricane on record.

Estimates as of June 2013 assess damage to have been over $68 billion -- a total surpassed only by Hurricane Katrina.

Sandy developed from a tropical wave in the western Caribbean Sea on October 22, quickly strengthened, and was upgraded to Tropical Storm Sandy six hours later.

Sandy moved slowly northward toward the Greater Antilles and gradually intensified.

On October 24, Sandy became a hurricane, made landfall near Kingston, Jamaica, re-emerged a few hours later into the Caribbean Sea and strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane.

On October 25, Sandy hit Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane, then weakened to a Category 1 hurricane.

Early on October 26, Sandy moved through the Bahamas.

On October 27, Sandy briefly weakened to a tropical storm and then restrengthened to a Category 1 hurricane.

Early on October 29, Sandy curved north-northwest and then moved ashore near Brigantine, New Jersey, just to the northeast of Atlantic City, as a post-tropical cyclone with hurricane-force winds.

While Sandy is now in the history books -- its impression remains for thousands who are still trying to rebuild.

Places like the Long Beach Boardwalk, destroyed by Sandy, are now bigger and stronger than before -- but officials know more needs to be done.

"We've made great progress over the past year, but that means absolutely nothing if you're one of the people who is not back in their home," Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D - New York) said.

The halls and buildings of Ellis Island were badly damaged during Sandy. Park officials on Monday, October 28th were ready to greet visitors for the first time since the storm hit. They say they are still focusing on complete recovery.

"We have to wait for the condition in the building to stabilize as far as the air is concerned. Once that takes place, we will be able to bring out artifacts and start opening up some of the other exhibits," David Lusinger with the National Park Service said.

Politicians are blaming a slow federal roll out of aid delaying the rebuilding for many residents. Those who have been able to return to their homes say experiencing Sandy has given them a new perspective on life.

"There's not a whole lot that can upset me anymore except losing my family or someone in my family. But other than that, I've gone through it now. So, I see the whole picture," Carol Diaz of Staten Island said.

24 states were impacted by Sandy, and counties in eight of them were declared disaster areas.