United States: Situation in Puerto Rico still critical Sep. 27 /update 8

Event

The situation remains critical in Puerto Rico as of Wednesday, September 27, a full week following the passage of Hurricane Maria. Power outages remain widespread; according to the US military as of Tuesday only 11 of the island’s 69 hospitals had electricity or diesel for generators. Furthermore, 44 percent of the population (1.5 million people) do not have access to running water and telecommunications systems remain highly disrupted. There are also reports of major fuel, food, and medicine shortages, in what some are calling a growing humanitarian crisis. Scarcities have also reportedly led to increases in crime rates. An overnight curfew will remain in effect from 19:00 to 06:00 (local time) until further notice. 

Severe disruptions continue at San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) since the facility reopened on September 22. SJU’s radar and navigation equipment sustained heavy damages during the storm and air traffic control capacities are at approximately 20 percent. Most available flight slots have been allocated to military and relief flights, with only approximatively ten commercial flights operated per day on Monday and Tuesday. Consequently, crowds of passengers have been stranded at the airport, some for days. Conditions within the airport are poor, as the facility has limited power and food supplies. Airport officials hope to restore a more regular flight program beginning on Wednesday following repairs made to the damaged equipment but significant disruptions are to be anticipated in the coming days and potentially weeks.

Smaller airports on the island have also reopened, including Ceiba’s José Aponte de la Torre Airport (FAJ), Aguadilla's Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN), and Ponce’s Mercedita Airport (PSE), but are also operating at very limited capacities. Airports on the nearby islands of Saint Thomas and Saint Croix (US Virgin Islands) are expected to reopen on September 28 and next week, respectively.

Context

Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico on September 20 as a Category 4 storm (scale of 1 to 5), causing severe flooding and wind damage as it passed over the island. Maria was the strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in nearly 90 years and came as the territory was still recovering from the recent passage of Hurricane Irma. At least 16 fatalities had been reported as of September 26, but the death toll could rise as recovery efforts continue. US President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Puerto Rico on September 21.

Advice

Individuals present in Puerto Rico are advised to adhere to all official directives and to be prepared for weeks and months of recovery. Potential travelers to the island are advised to postpone their trips until the situation stabilizes.