FEMA is 'officially shutting off' hurricane aid to Puerto Rico — but the US territory is still devastated
The lights are still out for nearly half a million Puerto Ricans.
After Hurricane Maria struck the US territory on September 20, a crippling blackout descended over its 3.4 million residents, cutting communication between loved ones, spoiling food and life-saving medications, and nixing access to banks and clean water.
The death toll, initially estimated at 64, is now thought to be at least 1,000, according to a recent New York Times analysis. Yet FEMA announced that aid to the US territory will end on January 31.
Nearly four months after the storm, more than 450,000 Puerto Ricans remain without power, and thousands have no clean water.
It's the result of an abused electric grid left to rot — and what's happening in Puerto Rico could happen in many other parts of America. Here's what it looks like on the ground.
Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017. Nearly four months later, more than 450,000 Puerto Ricans are still living in a blackout.
REUTERS/Alvin BaezThe storm didn't just damage the island's already-fragile power supply. It also shredded flattened buildings, and leveled cars. Ernestina Lebron, a resident of Maunabo, still has no roof.
EUTERS/Alvin BaezLife has not gotten back to normal. Hurricane Maria's death toll on the island is now thought to be closer to 1,052, according to a recent New York Times analysis.
REUTERS/Alvin Baez
Source: The New York Times
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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