The government of Puerto Rico has ordered all people living near the Guajataca River in the northwest of Puerto Rico to evacuate before an imminent dam break occurs. Information from the dam break came from the National Weather Service in San Juan. The governor of Puerto Rico stated on Saturday afternoon that people should evacuate till further notice. The 90-year-old dam was built to help create a lake provides drinking water to residents in the area. The national weather service has issued a flash-flood notice for areas in and around Quebradillas and Isabela.
Both towns have a population of 25,000 and 45,000 respectively. The Guardian recently reported that the dam is experiencing structural damage after a crack appeared on it. It is still unknown how many people will receive such information as television sets, radios and mobile phone communications are inaccessible.
Irma's effect in Puerto Rico
Irma brought waves as high as 30 feet as it passed through Puerto Rico while its wind speeds averaged 111 Miles Per Hour. Three people have died so far in Puerto Rico due to Irma according to the Guardian. Part of the Island also lacks communication. Utility crews from the U.S have been sent to the Island to restore electricity and communication. The National Hurricane Center stated that 40 inches more of rain, as well as mudslides, should be expected.
Maria's effect in Puerto Rico
Hurricane Maria was categorized as a category four hurricane on Wednesday this week with winds of up to 121 miles per hour. Six people died as a result of Maria according to the secretary of the Islands Department of Public Safety. Maria began forming from a tropical wave on September 13. It was the third hurricane to strike Caribbean islands such as Puerto Rico in just three weeks.
Maria hit Dominica with winds of up to 160 miles per hour.
As of 5:00 a.m. E.D.T on September 23, Maria was located 165 miles east-northeast of San Salvador Island which is about 340 miles east of Nassau, Bahamas. It now has maximum wind speeds of up to 120 mph and is categorized as a category three hurricane. 80,000 people had no power as Maria approached Puerto Rico according to Bloomberg.
450 shelters were open as of September 18 while 2,000 people sought shelter as of September 19. The federal emergency management agency sent four aircraft to the Island daily from Friday to deliver much-needed supplies to residents. 65 companies were also contracted to restore power while commercial traffic resumed at Luis Munoz Marín International from September 22.
