In the wake of widespread devastation left by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, President Donald Trump has approved a disaster declaration for the U.S. territory.
The Latest: President Trump approves a disaster declaration for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. https://t.co/U2Z2buFZyp
— The Associated Press (@AP) September 21, 2017
The declaration makes federal funding available to Puerto Ricans affected by the storm, which is essentially the entire island. Maria hit Puerto Rico as a Category 4 hurricane on Wednesday, knocking out power across the entire island and causing flooding and landslides. As of early Thursday, the island is completely under a flash flood warning.
Hurricane #Maria caused widespread flooding on the streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico https://t.co/Y9sVB9HLLB pic.twitter.com/tZXWdiDe9C
— CNN (@CNN) September 21, 2017
Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló called Maria the “most devastating storm to hit the island this century, if not in modern history.” He also said that the island is “looking at months as opposed to weeks or days” before power is restored.
Governor @RicardoRossello–
We are with you and the people of Puerto Rico. Stay safe! #PRStrong— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 21, 2017
San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz held back tears Wednesday as she said, “The Puerto Rico and the San Juan that we knew yesterday is no longer there.”
“The Puerto Rico and the San Juan that we knew yesterday is no longer there,” San Juan’s mayor tells @GadiNBC as she fights back tears. pic.twitter.com/M4yL7hHWe5
— NBC Nightly News (@NBCNightlyNews) September 20, 2017
Maria is currently thrashing the Dominican Republican as a Category 3 hurricane, with sustained winds of 115 mph. Unfortunately, it’s likely that the storm could strengthen over the warm waters of Turks and Caicos as it barrels toward the islands.
Share this if you’re praying for Puerto Rico and everyone in the path of Hurricane Maria!