5.5 EARTHQUAKE STRIKES PUERTO RICO ON MAY 2
A 5.5-magnitude earthquake was recorded off the waters of southern Puerto Rico early Saturday, rattling the city of Ponce. Other earthquakes ranging from 3.4 to 4.9 on the Richter scale have hit the same area. These earthquakes come at a time when Puerto Rico is still recovering from Hurricane Maria in 2017, a swarm of earthquakes in January of 2020 and now COVID-19. Hispanic Federation is monitoring the situation. Staff on the island stand ready to provide relief and recovery services as needed.
A POWERFUL EARTHQUAKE HITS PUERTO RICO
A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Puerto Rico on Tuesday, January 7th before dawn. This was the largest in a series of quakes that have struck the island in recent days and caused heavy damage in some areas. Experts predict aftershocks will continue for some time.
Just after a little over two years since Hurricane Maria devastated the island, Puerto Ricans are now struggling with the effects of another natural disaster. It’s yet another crisis that reminds us of the growing vulnerabilities and challenges our families on the island face. Already, Puerto Rico’s Electric Power Authority has reported an island-wide power outage. While we are waiting to hear what the federal response will be, what we do know is that whatever federal aid is apportioned will take a long time to get to the island. In fact, the vast majority of the aid approved by US Congress after Hurricane Maria has still not reached those who need it the most.
The good news is that, thanks to your generous support, the Hispanic Federation has a team on the ground — and a vast network of nonprofits it’s actively supporting and working with in Puerto Rico — that is ready to provide emergency relief and long-term support to those affected by the quake and the ensuing aftershocks. Thousands of solar lamps are being made available for distribution, as well as emergency funds for local health and human service providers working in affected communities. Furthermore, through our partnership with the University of Puerto Rico, our mental health initiative is already providing mental health services across the island focused on trauma therapy after natural disasters.
Thank you for making this work possible....for allowing us to come together so quickly to be there for those who need it most. We promise to continue providing you with updates on the situation on the ground and how your ongoing support is making a difference.
Gratefully yours,
Frankie Miranda
President
For more information on how to contribute, please contact donors@hispanicfederation.org