hurricane Maria: living in the dark
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i have lived in Vieques, a small island 7 miles from. Puerto Rico, for 7 years. We were torn to shreds within just about 3-4 hours by hurricane Maria. I personally was trapped under the roof that blew off the guest house I lived.in, while others lost more: their homes and family and pets.
Maria pulled every leaf off of every tree, left businesses in water, with no roof, electricity, food and potable water. We were prepared with back up food but most of our resources were blown away.
My house mate is a veteran and single father of two toddlers. The first time we had any water or food delivered was ten days after Maria. We were given 11 meals (army food) and a flat of potable water. As our supply diminished, I waited and waited for more. Why weren't we being helped? Why was federal aid not supplying people with medication like. Insulin?
We were finally able to contact our loved ones TWO WEEKS after Maria, using one satellite phone. We were each alotted 1 minute.
2.5 months after Maria, I finally went to beg from the municipality for more food. We were mostly eating out of cannned food that we warmed with propane. Not everyone has propane, so we were lucky. We drank collected rain water, flushed the toilets and showered with that same water for months before running water became consistent.
No electricity is expected for all barrios until April 2018, the last. I heard. Gasoline has been inconsistent on the island. The line for gas can take up to 12 hours. Most residents don't have jobs because at first, there was no way to get money out of the teller. Ecotourism is what the island relies on, which may take years to return.
i finally took a friend's offer to fly up to Delray beach Florida, where I currently reside.
Any amount of money will help. You will receive a receipt so a confirmation tat your contribution is going to the right family.
Feel free to indicate where you would like your gift to be sent. Our basic needs are the following:
Non-perishable food
water
solar lights
batteries
candles
flashlights
propane
generators
toiletries
Linens
Thank you for time.
i have lived in Vieques, a small island 7 miles from. Puerto Rico, for 7 years. We were torn to shreds within just about 3-4 hours by hurricane Maria. I personally was trapped under the roof that blew off the guest house I lived.in, while others lost more: their homes and family and pets.
Maria pulled every leaf off of every tree, left businesses in water, with no roof, electricity, food and potable water. We were prepared with back up food but most of our resources were blown away.
My house mate is a veteran and single father of two toddlers. The first time we had any water or food delivered was ten days after Maria. We were given 11 meals (army food) and a flat of potable water. As our supply diminished, I waited and waited for more. Why weren't we being helped? Why was federal aid not supplying people with medication like. Insulin?
We were finally able to contact our loved ones TWO WEEKS after Maria, using one satellite phone. We were each alotted 1 minute.
2.5 months after Maria, I finally went to beg from the municipality for more food. We were mostly eating out of cannned food that we warmed with propane. Not everyone has propane, so we were lucky. We drank collected rain water, flushed the toilets and showered with that same water for months before running water became consistent.
No electricity is expected for all barrios until April 2018, the last. I heard. Gasoline has been inconsistent on the island. The line for gas can take up to 12 hours. Most residents don't have jobs because at first, there was no way to get money out of the teller. Ecotourism is what the island relies on, which may take years to return.
i finally took a friend's offer to fly up to Delray beach Florida, where I currently reside.
Any amount of money will help. You will receive a receipt so a confirmation tat your contribution is going to the right family.
Feel free to indicate where you would like your gift to be sent. Our basic needs are the following:
Non-perishable food
water
solar lights
batteries
candles
flashlights
propane
generators
toiletries
Linens
Thank you for time.
Organizer and beneficiary
Regina Kearns
Organizer
Isla de Vieques, PR
Jamie Viglienzoni
Beneficiary