Puerto Rico Struggling with Shortages of Basic Supplies
After being struck by Hurricane Maria last week, the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico continues to suffer with shortages of water, food, medicine and other supplies.
150 mile per hour winds destroyed the electrical grid, as well as homes, businesses, roads and farms across the island. The official death toll has now risen to 34.
Power is yet to be restored to much of the Caribbean island, and about 90 percent of mobile phone transmitters are still not working.
Many businesses have been forced to close their doors because fuel to operate power generators is in short supply. There are long lines at the few banks that remain open and most cash machines are not operational. Travel for the island’s 3.4 million residents is also difficult, with only a few flights departing from Puerto Rico each day.
The Trump administration faced criticism earlier this week for not doing enough to address the rising humanitarian crisis. In response, Trump announced that the U.S. was waiving a federal law banning foreign-flagged ships from transporting goods between U.S. ports. According to Puerto Rico’s governor, the move will make getting supplies to the island far more affordable.
A number of international charities, such as Save the Children, the Red Cross, and World Vision have been working to raise money to support relief efforts.
Puerto Rico has been in a recession for more than a decade, and has a poverty rate of 45 percent and unemployment around 10 percent. The U.S. territory also has more than $73 billion dollars in debt.
Current Governor Ricardo Rossello said the storm has made things even worse. He told reporters that Puerto Rico will not be able to bring in any income for at least a month.
