Even though Vieques didn’t suffer as much as the main island did, we are truly feeling for them as it is 2 weeks since Fiona passed on September 17th and many are still without electricity. We had Fiona as a storm and very little damage occurred, however the South East of Puerto Rico, particularly Mayaguez and Ponce which had significant damage, got hit by a hurricane category 1, Fiona.
In the beginning of the week, Luma Energy had informed that 91% of electricity customers affected by the outage would have power back by Friday, September 30th, although they admitted that this goal would be completed by today Saturday, October 1st. Unfortunately, it would take longer for Mayaguez and Ponce which are the most affected zones. “It is important to take into account that we anticipate that the restoration of service will take longer in the most affected areas of Ponce and Mayaguez, where we are mobilizing brigades and resources to support restoration efforts”, said Daniel Hernandez, director of Renewable Projects of LUMA, in the statement.
Some lost everything inside of their homes, others lost their entire home, due to the downpour and river floods. Adding on, part of the elderly living alone, 75 years of age and older, have died due to carbon dioxide poisoning from power plants, blows to the head, which most of them passed away in the hospital. There has to be a correlation with the lack of electricity in the hospitals.
Salinas, Ponce, Añasco, Cabo Rojo, Peñuelas, Yauco, Mayaguez were some of the affected areas. If you wish to help somehow, contact a non profit organization of your choice or community leaders. At the moment there are health care brigades going to these zones and helping with mental health and much more.
Essential items you can donate:
- Food
- Wipes
- Diapers
- Formula
- Animal food (dog and/or cat)
- First Aid Kit
- Personal care items
Thank you so much to everyone that has been keeping in touch, asking how Vieques is doing; the support is heartfelt and appreciated.