Nearly all of Puerto Rico, home to 3.4 million American citizens, remains without power almost a week after Hurricane Maria struck the island and destroyed its electrical grid. Residents lack telephone service and face severe food, water and gasoline shortages. Governor Ricardo Rosselló, who called the situation a “humanitarian crisis,” urged Congress to approve an aid package this week. We discuss the dire situation in Puerto Rico and how the U.S. government is responding.
Guests:
Dave Graham, Reuters reporter based in San Juan
Patrick-André Mather, professor of French and linguistics, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras
Justin Vélez-Hagan, economist and executive director, National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce
John Mutter, professor of earth and environmental sciences, and international and public affairs, Columbia University
Lisa Diaz Melendez, project coordinator, Brandvia Alliance; native of Puerto Rico who has family on the island
Related Links:
How To Soften the Blow From Recent Hurricanes and Earthquakes
(NPR)
How to Help Puerto Rico and Other Islands After Hurricane Maria
(New York Times)