Puerto Rico is working to recover from earthquakes that have damaged homes and buildings in the U.S. territory.
Starting on Dec. 28, the island, home of 3.2 million people, has been hit by a series of tremors and earthquakes concentrated along the southern part of the island.
On Tuesday, Puerto Rico experienced its largest quake yet. A 6.4 magnitude earthquake left one dead, damaged hundreds of buildings and knocked out power to much of the island. Thousands sought safety outdoors in municipal and makeshift camps.
Many organizations are asking for donations for Puerto Rico.
Here’s how you can help:
World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen’s “Chef Relief Team” has kitchens set up all over Puerto Rico serving those looking for a warm meal, from the mountains of Yauco to Guayanilla.
Those looking to help donate or learn more about World Central Kitchen can visit their website at www.wck.org. You can also learn how to join its volunteer corps or Puerto Rico relief team at www.wck.org/volunteer.
Direct Relief
Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid organization, has offered support to healthcare providers across the island. They are also sending an Emergency Health Kit with over 200 essential medical items.
The aid organization is active across the U.S. and in more than 80 countries.
The American Red Cross is in Puerto Rico, helping people in need. Red Cross disaster workers are giving emotional support to people in areas hit by multiple tremors.
Workers are also helping support government-run shelters and distributing emergency supplies.
The Red Cross says people who want to help can make a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief. You can visit redcross.org, call 1-800-799-27677 or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
OneBlood
OneBlood, a nonprofit blood center, announced it will be sending blood to Puerto Rico. The organization has done similar drives in the past to the island during Hurricanes Maria and Irma and during the Zika virus spread, the blood center said.
The blood center is encouraging people to donate blood so they have a ready supply locally to assist those in need.
To find a donor center or Big Red Bus near you, visit www.oneblood.org.
Water Mission
Water Mission has been on the ground helping the people of Puerto Rico since Hurricane Maria. The group is currently monitoring the aftermath of deadly earthquakes.
Water Mission works to build safe water, sanitation and hygiene solutions to countries in need.
The safe water systems they’ve implemented in Puerto Rico have not been impacted. However, the earthquakes have left many without power in the area. They are working with local water authorities to keep water flowing, the group said.
Mercy Corps has a team in Puerto Rico, which has been there since Hurricane Maria. They distribute solar lanterns, equipped with USB chargers, and emergency cash to affected families.
The team is also supporting local community centers, helping turn them into “resilience hubs” with solar panels, community gardens, emergency kits and disaster preparedness training, Mercy Corps said.
If you would like to donate to Mercy Corps to help with their humanitarian mission in Puerto Rico, visit their website at www.mercycorps.org.
Karla Peña, Mercy Corps’ Puerto Rico Director, interviews a family from Guayanilla. This is one of approximately 300 families who have been staying under tarps in a municipal stadium. Mercy Corps
This story was originally published January 10, 2020 at 3:54 PM.
Miami Herald Cops and Breaking News Reporter Devoun Cetoute covers a plethora of Florida topics, from breaking news to crime patterns. He was on the breaking news team that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2022. He’s a graduate of the University of Florida, born and raised in Miami-Dade. Theme parks, movies and cars are on his mind in and out of the office.
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