Even before the island was ravaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria, Puerto Rico was already in economic peril, having trouble dealing with it's extreme debts. The island lost 80% of it's commercial agriculture as a result of the meteorological disaster. Many citizens that cannot afford the extremely high price to leave the island, feel the U.S. rescue efforts are mediocre in comparison to the wide scope of destruction they see cascading over their island. Certain areas, like Trujillo Alto, are affected to a lesser extent. As a result, most emergency rescue operations are staged in the North-East. Those that stay, stay unwillingly. Maria is the most intense hurricane that has hit Puerto Rico in recent years, we can only hope the U.S. steps up humanitarian efforts in it's territory, before more islanders succumb to the aftermath.
Original Story:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/09/30/us/24-hours-in-puerto-rico-after-hurricane-maria.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/04/learning/lesson-plans/island-in-crisis-teaching-about-puerto-rico-after-hurricane-maria.html?rref=collection%2Fspotlightcollection%2Flearning-current-events&action=click&contentCollection=learning®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=4&pgtype=collection
I also really hope that the United States steps up and helps out Puerto Rico. I know that if we were in that position, we would want help. Therefore, I feel it is necessary to help out. There have been so many harmful disasters recently, and I send my prayers out to Puerto Rico (and all the other places that have been harmed by natural disasters).
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that the United States only cares when its their land mass being affected? I really hope we start doing something to help these poor people. Just because they are not connected to the continental United States doesnt mean they are less important than us. They are innocent lives being affected and they deserve and need help.
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