Puerto Rico residents urgently need humanitarian aid after the recent powerful earthquake shocked the island last week. The island’s governor has requested more help from the United States to bring some relief to the affected territory.
A 6.4 magnitude quake’s consequences are raising concerns about where displaced Puerto Ricans will live, while the authorities still struggle to rebuild from Hurricane Maria two years ago.
On Tuesday, Governor Wanda Vázquez asked the U.S. government to issue a major disaster declaration for 10 additional municipalities following the recent damaging earthquake.
The petition came two weeks after the 6.4 magnitude tremor hit near the U.S. territory’s southern coast, killing one person, destroying hundreds of homes and causing damaged estimated at $200 million.
The US President approved a major disaster declaration last week for the most affected zones, which officials say will free up more federal funds for recovery and reconstruction. Meanwhile, Mrs Vazquez urges the municipal authorities of the Adjuntas, Cabo Rojo, Corozal, Jayuya, Lajas, Lares, Maricao, San Germán, San Sebastian and Villalba to extend the help to residents.
Puerto Rican governor made the announcement one day after protesters gathered at the seaside governor’s mansion and Capitol building to demand her resignation following the recent discovery of apparently forgotten disaster supplies amid continuing aftershocks as thousands of islanders have to remain in shelters.
