The Caribbean Island, Puerto Rico, struggled against Hurricane Maria, which shut down the lights over the country and left behind devastation and fatalities. Although the hurricane hit the island country yesterday, reports indicate there are still zones under possible flood warnings on Sept. 21, 2017.
This hurricane is the strongest to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years. The consequences of it are overwhelming. Cell phone service is out and many people are unaccounted for. Houses and streets are either destroyed or flooded. However, a full detailed report of damage has not been released.
The U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are awaiting assistance for disaster relief. Additionally, residents are working together to prevent looting and cooperating to clear away debris on streets. In spite of the catastrophic event, there are people who went back to work, some opened their business.
However, the panic and frustration continue. Andre Lopez, an Attorney and Puerto Rican resident stated:
There is a desespero (desperation). If the services are not recovered soon, [there] exists a potential of turning the situation into chaos.
Governor Rossello says the recovery of electric supply and communication is a top priority for them. He promised that “in 24 to 48 hours, the scene will become cleaner.”
On the other hand, after President Donald Trump spoke to Rosello and described Puerto Rico as “absolutely obliterated.”
Written by Bassil Sockar
Edited by Cathy Milne
Source:
NBC News: ‘Nothing Can Prepare You for This’: Puerto Ricans Face Devastated Landscape
The New York Times: Puerto Rico Faces Mountain of Obstacles on the Road to Recovery; Hurricane Maria Live Updates: In Puerto Rico, the Storm ‘Destroyed Us
The Hill: Trump phones Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands heads amid hurricane recovery
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Adam Gerhard’s Flickr Page – Creative Common License