Hurricane Maria Devastates Puerto Rico

The strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years has knocked 100% of the power out across the entire island.

September 22, 2017

NEW YORK – Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico this week on September 20, making it the strongest hurricane to hit the island in more than 80 years, reports CNBC. The Category 4 storm has caused massive destruction and knocked 100% of the power out across the entire island.

On September 17, Puerto Rico declared a state of emergency. Rep. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, the U.S. territory’s representative in Congress, commented to CNBC’s Squawk Box that Puerto Rico needs help re-establishing its power grid, and that rebuilding the island is going to be a "titanic effort." Millions of residents are expected to be without power for months, notes CNN.

House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) issued the following statement on Hurricane Maria’s impact on the territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, saying that he has spoken with Resident Commissioner Gonzalez on the extent of the damage, as well as plans for relief, and will be working with Delegate Plaskett on a similar plan of action. “Together, we will advocate for the full support of the federal government. Both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are in dire need of our assistance and we will do everything in our power to ensure that all necessary resources are made available. As Americans, both in the mainland and throughout all of our territories, we are all in this together."

In both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Red Cross volunteers have been working in close collaboration with local officials and community partners to coordinate response and relief efforts. In Puerto Rico, local officials opened evacuation shelters, and the Red Cross has mobilized volunteers and supplies for assistance after the storm passes. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Red Cross expanded emergency sheltering efforts on St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix.

The Red Cross says that Hurricane Maria is expected to impact ongoing hurricane relief efforts, making it difficult to bring relief supplies to the region. “It will make it difficult for boats to reach shores, or for planes to land,” said Lorenzo Violante, who is coordinating post-Irma relief efforts from Antigua for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). “The result is that people across the Caribbean will need to wait longer for support.”

In Mexico, relief and recovery efforts are underway following Tuesday’s 7.1 magnitude earthquake. The Mexican Red Cross has multiple teams assisting in search and rescue operations. Dozens of Mexican Red Cross teams are searching for survivors, transporting the injured to hospitals and providing first aid on the scene.

The Mexican Red Cross has deployed dozens of doctors and nurses, alongside more than 90 ambulances and its urban rescue unit. In all, more than 500 volunteers and employees were activated in the hours immediately following the deadly quake. In addition, 17 more urban rescue units, ambulances and logistic units will arrive today. To donate to the Mexican Red Cross, click here

The American Red Cross works closely with the Mexican Red Cross to provide humanitarian aid and assistance during large emergencies. Disaster specialists at the American Red Cross are monitoring the situation closely, remain in close contact with colleagues at the Mexican Red Cross, and are on standby to assist.

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