100 Days Later: Puerto Rico

By Lydia Pendergast

On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria wreaked havoc on the citizens of Puerto Rico and tore their lives apart. The nearly category 5 hurricane made a direct hit on the small territory, bringing with it 30+ hours of extreme wind, rain, and destruction. Maria was labeled “catastrophic.” It destroying entire infrastructures and left piles of debris everywhere. This made it very difficult to locate the roads, and even more difficult to reach those in need of help.

Many other U.S. citizens were not aware of the disaster until President Donald Trump held a meeting about the event a lengthy six days later. Even after the meeting, not much help was given to the island. Now, a little over three months later, nearly half of Puerto Rico is still without technology.

In an interview with ABC News from San Juan this week, Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz spoke on the president’s handling of the situation, “He was disrespectful to the Puerto Rican people, he was disrespectful to the American people who were leaving their homes to come help us here. Where he needed to be a commander-in-chief, he was a disaster-in-chief. President Trump does not embody the values of the good-hearted American people that have make sure that we are not forgotten.” Basic needs, such as electricity and shelter, have become rare to the people of this island, and they are still in desperate need of help.

President Trump has made little effort to help this island, even though they are just as much a part of the United States as any of the fifty states. Although here at CHS it does not seem like there is much we can do to help, there are small actions students can take. Donating money to Puerto Rico, no matter the amount, can help them greatly. Spreading the word of Puerto Rico’s condition can help as well. Together, as the United States, we need to come together and help assist each other. Right now Puerto Rico is in great need, and we should work to provide them help and comfort, as they would to us.