United States: Parts of Puerto Rico still without water and electricity /update 1

Event

Puerto Rico is still suffering from damages linked to Hurricane Maria, two months after the storm struck the island. Most of the country's roads have been cleared and business have largely reopened. Nevertheless, according to officials, around 53 percent of the island remains without power and 10 percent of the island lacks safe drinking water. Even in areas where electricity has been restored blackouts continue to occur daily throughout the island. In addition, cellphone service is still lacking for around 35 percent of customers. Some 1520 people are still living in shelters, down from the more than 12,500 in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

According to the Puerto Rican government, the country's official death toll from Maria and associated diseases caused by the hurricane is around 55. However, a survey of funeral directors on the island conducted by a prominent international news outlet concluded that 499 people died of storm-related causes between September 20 and October 19.

Context

Puerto Rico's electricity and water grids were devastated by Maria when the hurricane struck the island on September 20.​ Mass power outages, along with other issues, have brought Puerto Rico's economy to a near standstill.

Advice

Individuals in Puerto Rico are advised to adhere to all instructions issued by local health and other officials.