The Empire State Building in New York City paid tribute Thursday night to countries recently affected by Hurricane Maria, as well as the devastating Mexico City Earthquake.
As reported by the New York Daily News, the rotating light display featured the colors of Puerto Rico, Dominica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Mexico, all of which have been devastated by the hurricane and earthquakes during the week.
Light show in New York City for hurricane and earthquake victims
Readers can watch the lights rotating in the various colors below, backed by an orchestral version of the Michael Jackson hit, "They Don't Care About Us."
Devastation from natural disasters
Puerto Rico is completely without electricity after Hurricane Maria hit the island.
As reported by the New York Times, the island was already in trouble after Hurricane Irma, with 70 percent of the power gone. With cell phone towers down, people are panicking as they are unable to contact their relatives, while much of the island’s potable water is no longer drinkable.
Many asking why minimal info coming from #PuertoRico. Currently 100% are without power and 95% without cell service. #Maria #HuracanMaria pic.twitter.com/JEXJAIDXCX
— Hurricane Info (@HurricaneData) September 22, 2017
Dominica saw hundreds of homes destroyed as the Category 4 hurricane hit the island, cutting off communications with the outside world and shutting down its airport. According to a statement by Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, 15 people have died and there are still 20 people missing after the storm.
As reported by Loop News, Skerrit was in tears while speaking live on ABS TV in Antigua about the devastation to the island and his people. However, he did add it was a miracle that more people were not killed by the storm.
More perspective of the devastation left behind my category 5 Hurricane Maria in Dominica pic.twitter.com/mJb5ELusl0
— Antigua Chronicle (@ANUChronicle) September 21, 2017
The 7.1 magnitude earthquake that hit Mexico City on Tuesday downed dozens of buildings and the death toll was increased to 274 on Thursday.
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto has declared a three-day mourning period for the victims of the earthquake, with schools in the city and its surroundings closed up until Monday.
Here’s how you can help the victims of Mexico City's catastrophic earthquake https://t.co/olildfpVuF?
— TIME (@TIME) September 21, 2017
Empire State Building previously went dark
Timeout reported on September 13 that the Empire State Building was going dark to honor those affected by Hurricane Irma and its resulting flooding.
This time the building was lit up spectacularly to honor the many people suffering from Irma’s sister, Maria.
Our lights are rotating tonight to raise awareness for the earthquake & Hurricane Maria victims, w/a siren in the mast for first responders. pic.twitter.com/cTEH8N4Nbg
— Empire State Bldg (@EmpireStateBldg) September 21, 2017
Meanwhile, Hurricane Maria passed by the Dominican Republic on Thursday night as it heads for Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas. USA Today reports that it is unlikely the U.S. will receive a direct hit from Maria, although forecasters say it is not totally impossible. That report states that the tail end of Hurricane Jose, along with other weather systems, might help to keep the worst of the storm away.