PUERTO RICO - Devastation Response

It is very obvious that our federal government was just not ready for a disaster of this magnitude, where everything (power, water, roads, communications, entire towns/cities) are destroyed.  Reminder, Puerto Ricans ARE American citizens.

"Devastated Puerto Rico needs unprecedented aid, says governor" PBS NewsHour 9/25/2017

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SUMMARY:  After almost a week since Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, millions of residents are without water, fuel or power, and cut off from the world with no way to communicate with family abroad.  John Yang speaks with Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló and Patricia Mazzei of the Miami Herald about the extent of the damage and the island's need for federal aid.

"Is the government doing enough to help Puerto Rico?" PBS NewsHour 9/26/2017

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SUMMARY:  Conditions are dire for more than 3 million Americans struggling to get water, food and electricity after Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico.  P.J. Tobia reports on the pressure President Trump has faced to send more aid, then Judy Woodruff speaks with FEMA Deputy Administrator Daniel Kaniewski and Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) about the federal response the island has received.

"Hurricane relief isn't reaching remote areas of Puerto Rico" PBS NewsHour 9/27/2017

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SUMMARY:  As Puerto Rico reels a week after Hurricane Maria, much of the aid that has reached the island has not made it beyond San Juan.  President Trump defended his administration's response while basic necessities remain scant John Yang speaks with Camila Domonoske of NPR and Phillip Carter of the Center for a New American Security, about the distribution of aid and what the military is doing.

"The logistical nightmare of getting backlogged aid into Puerto Rico" PBS NewsHour 9/28/2017

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SUMMARY:  Across Puerto Rico, many residents still desperately need food, fuel and water.  Meanwhile, thousands of cargo containers filled with supplies sit on the docks, unable to get inland.  John Yang reports on how the Trump administration is taking steps to speed up relief efforts, then gets an update from the ground in San Juan from Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz.

"Desperation in Puerto Rico fuels frustration with federal response" PBS NewsHour 9/29/2017

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SUMMARY:  Long lines are a stark fact of life for the people of Puerto Rico, with little assistance from the outside world reaching small towns nine days after Hurricane Maria.  But the U.S. military and Puerto Rican National Guard units are trying to get aid out beyond the capital, and help get hospitals up and running.  Special correspondent Monica Villamizar reports on the frustrations on the island.