United States: Limited airline service returns to Puerto Rico Sep. 22 /update 7

Event

Airlines resumed limited service to Puerto Rico on Friday, September 22, following the landfall of destructive Hurricane Maria on Wednesday, September 20. Among the airlines restarting service to San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) are American Airlines, which resumed limited service to SJU on Friday from the continental US, and Delta and JetBlue, which both began limited service from the continental US to SJU on Saturday. Service to Aguadilla's Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN) remains closed due to remaining debris obstructions and flood damage and is not expected to resume operations at least until Tuesday, September 26 at 08:00 (local time). Service to Ponce's Mercedita International Airport (PSE) is also canceled until conditions improve. Expect flight service to and from Puerto Rico to gradually improve in the coming days.

Context

Hurricane Maria caused significant damage in many areas of Puerto Rico and US President Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Puerto Rico on September 21. Southeastern Puerto Rico, where the storm made landfall, is believed to have been the worst hit. At least 13 fatalities have been reported as of September 24, but the death toll is likely to rise as recovery efforts continue.

The entire island remains without power, and the island's governor has warned that full services may not be restored for several months. Additionally, officials ordered residents to be evacuated from the Isabela and Quebradillas municipalities after the Guajataca Dam began to exhibit signs of structural failure at approximately 14:10 (local time) on Friday, September 22; over 70,000 people have since been evacuated from the area. Anecdotal reports also indicate that most power lines were downed by fallen trees and violent winds. Ongoing water cuts, telecommunication issues, and transportation disruptions are to be anticipated in the coming days and potentially weeks.

Advice

Individuals present in Puerto Rico are advised to adhere to all official directives (including evacuation or shelter-in-place orders), to keep abreast of weather alerts, and to avoid coastal and mountainous areas as much as possible until conditions stabilize (risk of flooding and landslides). Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult. Finally, because floodwater may also contain wastewater or chemical products, wear boots and try to avoid any contact with the water. All items having come into contact with the water should be washed and disinfected and foodstuffs discarded.