Hurricane Maria struck a direct hit on Puerto Rico, leaving the entire country without power. Countless people will have to wait four to six months for power to return, leaving the 3.4 million American citizens in a precarious position.
Experts have said the punishing effects can best be described by imagining a “50-60 mile wide tornado” hitting your state. Aside from people losing homes and possessions, necessary infrastructure has been crushed, leaving people with little access to food or fresh water. Cell phone towers have been knocked down, making even basic communication difficult. According to the Defense Department, finding fresh water is a major problem. Via Vox:
No electricity means no power to pump water into homes, no water to bathe or flush toilets. The Defense Department said Tuesday that only 56 percent of people on the island have potable water. USA Today reported that Arecibo, a town on the northern shore of the island, had only one source of fresh water: a single fire hydrant. Rescue workers have been distributing bottled water, but it’s safe to assume many people haven’t received any yet.
With that in mind, when a place manages to have fuel, food or water – word spreads fast and people line up. CBN’s Operation Blessing is on the ground in San Juan, Puerto Rico beginning relief efforts. Here’s some stunning drone footage showing a glimpse of the desperation:
https://www.facebook.com/daviddarg/videos/10159375829665026/
Given the power situation, night time is a little trickier than usual. Operation Blessing is handing out solar lights – here’s a picture of two children seeing powered light for the first time in weeks. Operation Blessing’s David Darg described it this way in a Facebook post:
Children in San Juan Puerto Rico have light for the first time in a week thanks to @operationbless solar lights. Its hard to describe just how messed up this island is. Water and food are becoming increasingly scarce and electricity is months away from being restored. It’s amazing how something like light (that we take for granted) can comfort kids in tough times.
Have a look:
These American citizens would likely be very grateful if the mainland would shift the conversation away from football and anthems, towards things that matter like helping our fellow man in need.
Here are some more stunning images that are becoming to come out in the wake of Hurricane Maria:
Continued prayers for all impacted by this awful storm. If you’d like to volunteer your time or resources, visit Operation Blessing’s website.