Recently, hurricanes and tropical storms have ravaged a growing list of areas in the U.S.; Puerto Rico is now included in this list.

   Hurricane Maria, a powerful category 4 hurricane, hit Puerto Rico on September 20 and has left the country in a state of distress and chaos.  This hurricane is considered as the largest catastrophe in Puerto Rico’s history– and with good reason. The country is still without power, although it has been several weeks since Maria made landfall.

   The only exceptions are high priority buildings such as hospitals that are being powered by generators. There is also little water available to drink and less to complete everyday tasks, such as bathing and flushing toilets. It is estimated that it could take months to get power back in some places.

   Water is not the only resource that is being limited. Fuel, food and cell service has become limited, making it difficult to connect with people and to survive in general. Various farms are decimated, leaving many without jobs. To make matters worse, Puerto Rico was already millions of dollars in debt; this will only plunge them further into their pit of debt.

   America’s response to this issue has been extremely limited; many citizens do not even know that Puerto Rico is part of the United States. While the government is responding to Puerto Rico’s needs, it has been a slow process. Air support has reportedly been having trouble getting aid to victims and cleaning roads has taken considerable time. However, the majority of Puerto Ricans are still awaiting the aid and resources they desperately need.

   Although the Trump Administration claims that they are doing all they can to help the victims at this present time, many still do not believe enough is being done.

“I’m very sympathetic for these people who have experienced such a tragedy and devastation. It’s in bad character of our president to claim they didn’t experience as much turmoil as they have. He’s focused on politics when he should be focused on helping that area,” junior Helena Jolly says.

It is clear that many are concerned for the victims of Puerto Rico, and the aid they are receiving, or lack thereof. The death poll is currently in the hundreds and many are still recovering from injuries sustained. Although the hurricane hit almost three weeks ago, efforts are still being made to help those who are in need of relief.