By: Jamila Torres
Updated: Oct. 1, 2017
Originally Published: Sep. 30, 2017
This year has been marked by overwhelming devastation due to natural disasters. Houston and Florida have faced catastrophic damage, while the Caribbean has been relentlessly battered by storm after storm. Puerto Rico, still reeling from Hurricane Irma, was severely impacted by Hurricane Maria just over a week ago.
The residents of the island are struggling to access even the most basic necessities—food, water, safe shelter, and electricity. While government officials may paint a rosy picture of the relief efforts, San Juan’s mayor, Elena Rivera, speaks a different truth.
“I am pleading, pleading with anyone who can hear us to save us from dying,” she stated. “If anyone is listening, we are dying, and the inefficiency is killing us.”
The gravity of the situation cannot be understated. Puerto Ricans, who are U.S. citizens, are crying out for assistance. Our government seems to be neglecting its responsibility, leading to dire circumstances where people are resorting to drinking from contaminated creeks due to a total collapse of infrastructure. The delivery of food and clean water has been dreadfully slow, leaving many in urgent need.
In response to the catastrophe, congressional representatives, including Delia Smith from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Rep. Michael Thompson, have called for an emergency hearing to expedite federal assistance. “Immediate action could significantly improve the lives of families affected by this disaster,” they emphasized in a letter.
This urgent response is crucial. Time is of the essence—not next week, not tomorrow, but right now.
While the mayor begs for her community’s survival, the president seems preoccupied with tweeting and golfing. “They want everything done for them when it should be a community effort,” he tweeted. This statement raises questions about the logic behind dismissing a U.S. territory’s desperate plea for help.
As Mayor Rivera navigates through sewage to provide essential supplies to her people, the president’s dismissive comments show a shocking lack of empathy. It’s hard to comprehend the current state of affairs, but this is our reality.
Despite the failures of the current administration, former presidents, including George H.W. Bush and Barack Obama, have united to launch a fundraising campaign to assist with relief efforts. Their collective compassion stands in stark contrast to the ongoing governmental inaction.
With the destruction of the power grid, restoration could take months. This is not simply about enduring darkness; many medically fragile individuals depend on electricity for survival.
The president is slated to visit Puerto Rico this week, but it’s unlikely his arrival will be welcomed warmly. People are suffering. The mayor is pleading for help. Our government is falling short. We must act now, and if you’re in a position to contribute, please do so. Puerto Rico needs our support.
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Summary
The mayor of San Juan, Elena Rivera, has made an impassioned plea for help as Puerto Rico grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. With basic necessities in short supply, the U.S. government’s slow response has led to dire circumstances for many residents. Former presidents have stepped in to aid relief efforts, contrasting the current administration’s inaction. Immediate grassroots efforts are crucial to support the island’s recovery.