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The Caribbean Hurricane PageUpdates from the Islands
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If you are looking for family/friends on Puerto Rico, you can post your plea for help on the Puerto Rico Lost & Found Bulletin Board. For people who have been in contact with Puerto Rico, or live on Puerto Rico, please, also take a look at this Bulletin Board and try to see if you can help out these sometimes desparate people...
Date: Tue, 4 May 1999 22:07:04 -0300 From: Marian Rodriguez (mako20@prtc.net) Subject: hurricane george in puerto rico It was a terrible night on September 21, starting at 6:00 P.M. that evening when real heavy winds started blowing, winds that were catagory 3, and seems as a catagory 5 with 150 miles per hour winds. It was really scary when the wind was blowing so hard it seemed as though the whole house was going to fall apart and the windows were going to blast. I remember I was in the living room with my children and husband and very nervous we all started praying its the only thing that you can really do. Thank God that we have anticipated time to prepare ourselves before this big event, but even though preparing yourself does not help you emotionally. I kept hearing the news when they mentioned that Hurricane George was probally going to become a catagory 4 and even 5 with the way it was projecting itself towards Puerto Rico. My husband went out to the other side of the island to check our summer home in Cabo Rojo and prepare it for the winds, meanwhile every one has to work together, I went out with my 10 year old daughter to buy wood for the windows. I woke up at 4:30 a.m. that morning and made a 4 hour wait till the store was opened and even at this time there were hundreds many thousands of people waiting in their cars to open the store. The winds went on all night long, I could not sleep at all it finally stopped, it was so silent that morning not even a bird could be heard. It was still raining with gust of winds not as much as a Hurricane but this is not an easy way to accept that nature can really be so harsh on all of us at times. Aftermath of Hurricane George, everyone was devestated, scared, and even emotionally affected. We waited long hours to get a bags of ice all the ice plants where so packed it was horrible, we had no light for a month and water for two or three weeks. We had to take baths with water we stashed away when preparing yourself for the hurricane. All supermarkets where also with no electricity and no water so it was really hard to even to go out and buy food, after three weeks went buy and still had no water or light this can really get to you. No one worked and school was out for a least two weeks. I just hope we never have to go through one of these again. I did experience Hurrciane Hugo in 1989, but Hurricane George was a monster that the discription you can really give this type fenomenon. Marian Rodriguez and Family Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Date: Sun, 25 Oct 1998 01:11:42 -0300 From: Debra Vela (davela@caribe.net) Subject: Re: Update from San Juan Hello again from San Juan! Things are improving, traffic lights are 90% up and moods are improving (check with me again in a week to see if this is still true!!!). We still have intersections down without traffic lights and suicide mission operators out there. ME!!! FIRST!!!!! Got my cable tv back today!!! Not that I watch it much but do like to check in with CNN on occasion! Up until today, my news feeds have been through WOSO and CNN on the 'Net. Lots of political BS about aid - politicians holding out on aid checks for days or weeks for that photo op. "Oh, make sure my picture is in the paper when I hand out the money!" Still haven't received my package from SBA to apply for a loan for my company that has been hurt. This to me is SSSOOOOOOOO insignificant to me as others are without houses, clothes, diapers, food, etc. They'll get to me when they can. I hold my breathe every payday for my employees and Consultants, though. They need to provide for their families. Can I make Payday today? And what about next week? Things are improving vastly here in San Juan. Unfortunately, for the rest of island, we had a front stall here that dumped a bunch of rain on areas that were already saturated and had some major flooding and deaths as a result. Humacao was especially hard hit. As they were for Georges. But, all in all, things are looking up. It's really weird to drive by a place that used to have trees and lots of green to see it all gone. But we're in the tropics and know it will grow back in no time. Everyone - "Keep your chins up and walk on the sunny side of the street." (Quote from Lorenzo Cruz, PE,'s father! Thanks, Tito!) v.
Date: Fri, 23 Oct 98 09:41:39 -0400 From: Valerie Arocho (valerie@LatinMail.com) Hello: My name is Valerie Arocho, I'm from Puerto Rico and I want to help you whith the paragraphs you need about before during and after. Well the day before the birds were trying to find a place to hide and the others animals too. Everybody were saying that "this huracane is not comming is like always".But the supermarkets were full I went to the supermarket whith my mom and there were no crakets no bread no water no ice.People were buying wood to protect their windows etc Then at 11:00 the governor told that it was going to pass to PR and then the people were scared well some of them I was.At 5:00 the sky change the color it was like yellow or orange it was really incredible and it was starding the winds to Arecibo(the place that I live at)At that time I had water electricity and cable, We were listening the radio since that time at night and I couldn't get to sleep becouse of the terrible sounds and my room the part of the roof was making noices like it was going to left and that! ! happend we were at the living room I was nervous becouse the water was gettin inside my house and I don't live in a flood place the sound of the wind was like a devil for real people don't really understand you chould live it, and then later we didn't had no water no electricity and of course no cable I dind'n now that my family and I we were going to be 15 days whithout electricity and like a month whithout water so imagine cleaning your close whith your hands carrying water to take a bath,well i bye thank you I could tell you more at other time Valerie
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 01:39:44 -0300 From: Debra Vela (davela@caribe.net) Subject: Re: Update from San Juan Hi Gert! Just checking in again . . . Things are returning to normal as can be expected. I'm now expecting that my cable TV be turned back on! This will happen next Saturday, the 24th. They are going to send a repairman to check the antennae and lines. Oh, to watch TV again!!! I'm overdosed on books and magazines, but have read some really wonderful books - try "In The Time Of The Butterflies". It's a must read - about four sisters in the DR under Trujuillo's domain as dictator. Very powerful. I've read a whole ton of other books, but this one is tops. Also, try, "A Natural History of the Senses". Very good. I'm only half way through it but find it very good. We still have many people without homes, water, electricity, phones. My spirits are buoyed by all the help coming in from the Mainland. My adopted family is staying in a penthouse. These are the people who weathered the storm in a car that tumbled over and over, after their house went, with the mother not coming out for a week because she was so afraid. The owner of their temporary home (the penthouse) was offerered $5,000 per week for the space but declined it so that Alberto and his family had a place to stay! That's a good heart! I had to console a friend last night. He wants to leave the island because of traffic woes. He owns an eco-tourism business and is obviously on the road a lot transporting people. He was purposely hit by another vehicle who was frustrated and just wanted to ram someone. I offered him my sales staff to try to get around his economic impact and hope that we can keep him and his wife here because we like them very much. They are hurting for business as can be expected. They are frustrated as well. I went there for dinner tonight and they are in much better spirits. As far as my business, we are applying for an SBA loan. I'm an engineer and didn't realize (because I'm stupid in this area) how much this storm and not billing impacted our cash flow. Thank goodness, my General Manager did. I really want to meet payroll as we have to keep everyone working together. To go for a couple of weeks without money is devasting to credit, monthly bills, etc. Especially, when the rest of the world thinks we're okay. Which, we're not. As far as local news, we're still 100% on FEMA aid, which is unusual. FEMA is supposed to run out after 72 hours after a disaster, then go a lower lever. We're going on FOUR weeks of 100% aid. In the metro area, we are lucky, we were spared the worst, but still have much clean-up to do. I'm much more fortunate than one of my Consultants who reported to me that she spends $56 per day on diesel to keep her generator running. She still doesn't have power, water or phone (we communicate via work e-mail and cell). It's several hours out of her day to get water and diesel. We've had 35 murders this week. VERY high. All related to drugs. Since the drugs (cocaine and heroine) cannot arrive here normally, people kill to get them. Don't do drugs. What a trickle-down effect. But, in all, things are improving and morales are building up. Thank you to all who keep sending e-mail with good wishes! I love the e-mails! Thank you! v.
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 17:55:08 -0700 From: Diana Dìaz (rodi@caribe.net) A short note: As today the power service is restored almost completely in San Juan, Naranjito, Comerìo, Corozal and Bayamòn. I am happy to observe that the lights in the rural areas to the east of San Juan are starting to shine again. (Aguas Buenas, Trujillo Alto, Carolina) Sad to say, Utuado was badly damage. The urban area looks like a doomed city from a science fiction movie. Urban area of Adjuntas has telephone service since yesterday. Road #10 that connected Adjuntas and Utuado are open and FEMA opened new offices to serve this communities.
Date: Sat, 10 Oct 1998 15:03:18 -0700 From: Diana Dìaz (rodi@caribe.net) I will be glad to help posting information about weather or looking for people in Puerto Rico. I have visited the central and east coast of the Island. Have video and photos. I lived the experience of the "eye"and the "eye wall" (the longest hour and 20 minutes of my life.) I experimented the hurricane in the central part of the Island. After the hurricane, and early in the morning (with tropical storm winds blowing) we traveled to my sister home farther south and in a top of a mountain. It was blowing and raining but people where working everywhere opening the roads and cleaning the debris of their homes. Later, (at noon) my husband and I returned to San Juan to found part of our home destroyed. The next day we traveled to the east coast where our sailboat sank. So I have a pretty good idea about what that hurricane did to the Island. Today, Saturday, Oct.. 10, more than a half of my hometown people of Naranjito are without water and electricity. (About 250 are in public shelters but a lot more are with relatives and nobody counts them as refugees.) I saw a lot of houses completely destroyed and a lot more with considerable damages. I am missing the green of the island. We are living sad times. Diana Diaz Tel 787-751-5695
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1998 21:14:39 -0400 From: Jorge L. Belendez (belendez@caribe.net) Subject: NEWS FROM UTUADO. Dear Friends and Family: A friend of mine just got back from Utuado and was kind enough to write this up for general knowledge. This is not a newspaper or self serving account, it's just what my friend saw as he went by in a regular working day. I feel that if you can see from the car this pathetic description, the REAL devastation must be much worst. Utuado is located between two mountains and the real destruction up in the mountains I am afraid one can not really see from the main road level. Utuado has many low income rual areas. Many live a quiet simple life. And many houses are part concrete and part wood or aluminum additions. I hate to think what the type of wind that I felt in San Juan would do to that type of dwelling. Take care, Saludos, Jorge -- Friends: I have just arrived from another work related trip to Utuado. This time I visited other parts of the downtown area and also travelled to Lake Pellejas. Utuado is located at the point where the Viví river and the Río Grande de Arecibo river meet. As you can figure out, it is exposed to heavy floods because of its proximity to two big rivers. The southern part of the town was flooded by Rio Grande de Arecibo. It flows from Adjuntas, South from Utuado at the center of the island, to the North through Utuado, lake Dos Bocas and then Arecibo. The streets of the Southern part of town were full of mud, evidence of the flood. I could see several cars stucked in the mud and many houses with mud inside. On our trip to lake Pellejas we used the old road number 10 from Utuado to Adjuntas. It runs parallel to the riverbed of Río Grande de Arecibo. I could see the huge erosion. This is evidence of the great amount of water that must have flown through it. The level of the river must have reached about 20 feet or more in some places. There were many damaged houses located by the riverside. Landslides had been provisionally corrected, and there were many. When I talked to some Utuado residents I learned that there are a few families who have completely lost there home. Some have just lost their roofs and other belongings. There is some kind of loss everywhere you look, either for individuals or for the municipal or state governments. The few banana and plantain plantations I saw were completely down and lost. What I did see was people willing to fight and work to get back to their normal life. Pepe
I incorporated some translation from Spanish into English by Debra Vela in Jorge's message below. -Gert She wrote me: "I'll do a little translation here - my Spanish is not great. Gringa translations preceded by >>>. Where my translations are really bad, I'll *asterisk. I'm only doing the impacts and needs. v." Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1998 18:40:24 -0400 From: Jorge L. Belendez (belendez@caribe.net) Subject: ALGUNA INFORMACION ADICIONAL QUE ME LLEGO DE ALGUNOS PUEBLOS. AGUADA Alcalde: Julio César Román Teléfono/Contacto: Martín Concepción, director de la Defensa Civil. 868-7000 Impacto: Pueblo en estado crítico. 29 refugiados. 848 residencias destruidas; 1,152 residencias averiadas; $30,000,000 estimado en pérdidas; $6,000,000 en pérdidas en la agricultura; 100% pérdida en la manufactura; 1% puentes dañados. 100% sin agua ni luz; 90% sin teléfono. >>> Impact - Town in critical state. 29 in shelters, 848 homes destroyed, 1152 homes unknown, $30,000,000 estimated in loss ; $6,000,000 loss in agriculture; 100% loss in in manufacturing; 1% in damaged bridges; 100% without power; 90% without phone. Necesidades: Comida, pañales desechables, alimentos para bebé, leche, ropa, mattress y camiones con agua. >>> Needs: Food, *drain pipes, stuff for babies such as milk, food, clothes, mattresses and disposable diapers. AGUAS BUENAS Alcalde: Carlos J. Aponte Teléfono/Contacto: 732-8621 Impacto: Situación del municipio descrita como "mejorando''. 89 refugiados. Las instalaciones de salud están operando; hay medicinas y médicos. 30% sin agua; 30% sin luz; 30% sin teléfono. Pérdidas en la infraestructura: 99% en la agricultura; 100% en la manufactura; 30% en las carreteras; 35% en los puentes. >>> Impact: Situation with the municipality described as "major". 89 refugees. The health organizations are operational; There are medicines and doctors. 30% without water; 30% without power; 30% without phone. Loss in the infrastructure: 99% in agriculture; 100% in manufacturing; 30% in highways; 35% in bridges. Necesidades: Generadores, agua potable. >>> Needs: Generators and drinkable water. AÑASCO Alcalde: Pablo Crespo Torres Teléfono/Contacto: Alberto Feliciano, director de la Defensa Civil. 826-4068; 826-8038 Impacto: Pueblo en estado crítico. 190 refugiados. $3,500,000 en pérdidas en la agricultura; $400,000 en pérdidas en la manufactura; $970,000 en pérdidas en carreteras; $80,000 en pérdidas en puentes; 3,000 viviendas afectadas; 1% barrios incomunicados. 90% sin agua; 100% sin luz; 40% sin teléfono. >>> Impact: Town in critical state. 190 refugees. $3,500,000 loss in agriculture; $400,000 loss in manufacturing; $970,000 loss in highways; $80,000 loss in bridges; 3,000 lifes affected; 1% of "slums" not in communication; 90% without water; 100% without power; 40% without phone. Necesidades: Alimentos, leche para bebé. >>> Needs: Food, milk for babies. ARECIBO Alcalde: Angel M. Román Teléfono/Contacto: Defensa Civil, 879-1700; alcaldía, 879-1561 Impacto: Pueblo en estado crítico. 300 refugiados. $150,000,000 estimado en pérdidas. 1,300 residencias pérdida total. 1,200 residencias averiadas. $100,000,000 pérdidas en la agricultura; 30% carreteras dañadas; 5% puentes dañados; 75% de las facilidades recreativas dañadas; 2% barrios incomunicados. 75% sin agua; 80% sin luz; 40% sin teléfono. >>> Impact: Town in critical state. 300 refugees, $150,000,000 estimated in losses, 1,300 residences lost everything. 1,200 residences damaged. $100,000,000 lost in agriculture, 30% of highways damaged; 5% of bridges damaged; 75% of recreational facilities damaged; 2% of "slums" without communications. 75% without water; 80% without light; 40% without telephone. Necesidades: Medicamentos, leche para bebé, pañales desechables, camiones de agua. >>> Needs: Medicines, milk for babies, disposable diapers and water trucks. ARROYO Alcalde: Reinaldo Pirela Teléfono/Contacto: Defensa Civil 839-4900 ó 839-1022 (teléfono y fax) Impacto: Pueblo en estado crítico. 67 refugiados. Pérdida total en la agricultura; 2% puentes dañados; 40% residencias pérdida total. 80% sin agua; 100% sin luz; 90% sin teléfono. >>> Impact: Town in critical state. 67 refugees. Total loss in agriculture; 2% of bridges damaged; 40% total loss of residences. 80% without water; 100% without light; 90% without phones. Necesidades: Alimentos y agua. >>> Needs: Food and water. BAYAMON Alcalde: Ramón Luis Rivera Teléfono: 780-5552 Impacto: Situación del municipio descrita como "en mejoras''. Las instalaciones de salud están operando; hay medicinas y médicos. 50% sin agua; 60% sin luz; 20% sin teléfono. Pérdidas en la infraestructura: 100% en la agricultura. >>> Impact: Government describes situation as "major". The health organizations are operational. There are medicines and doctors. 50% without water; 60% without power; 20% without phones. Infrastructure losses: 100% in agriculture. Necesidades: Agua. >>> Needs: Water. CABO ROJO Alcalde: Santos Padilla Ferrer Teléfono/Contacto: Defensa Civil 851-5050 ó 255-4405; policía municipal 255-2650 ó 851-2105 Impacto: Pueblo en estado sumamente crítico. 223 refugiados. 100% sin luz ni agua; 50% sin teléfono; $60,000,000 estimado en pérdidas; 3,000 residencias pérdida total; 1,000 residencias averiadas; 100% pérdida total en la agricultura; 85% pérdida en la manufactura; 100% carreteras dañadas; 5% puentes dañados; 50% barrios incomunicados. >>> Impact: Town in summarized critical state. 223 refugees. 100% without light or water; 50% without phones; $60,000,000 estimated in loss; 3,000 residences with total loss; 1,000 residences damaged; 100% total loss in agriculture; 85% loss in manufacturing; 100% of highways damaged; 5% of bridges damaged; 50% of "slums" without communication. Necesidades: Alimentos, ropa, pañales desechables, medicamentos. Todo lo que sea de primera necesidad. >>> Needs: Food, clothes, disposable diapers, medicines. Everything required just to survive (primary necessities). CAMUY Alcalde: William Rosales Pérez Teléfono/Contacto: Alcaldía 262-7571 Impacto: Pueblo en estado crítico. 33 refugiados. 75% sin agua; 100% sin luz; 85% sin teléfono. 90% pérdida en la agricultura; 75% pérdida en la manufactura; 50% puentes dañados; 50% facilidades recreativas dañadas. $427,100 estimado en pérdidas; 1,500 residencias pérdida total y averiadas. >>> Impact: Town in critical state. 33 refugees. 75% without water; 100% without light; 85% without phones. 90% loss in agriculture; 75% loss in manufacturing; 50% of bridges damaged; 50% of recreational facilities damaged; $427,100 estimated in loss; 1,500 residences with total loss and damaged. Necesidades: Leche para bebé, pañales desechables, alimentos, camiones de agua. >>> Needs: Milk for babies, disposable diapers, food, water trucks. CAYEY Alcalde: Rolando Ortiz Teléfono: 738-3211 Impacto: Pueblo en estado crítico. 500 refugiados. Las instalaciones de salud están operando; hay medicinas y médicos. 50% sin agua; 95% sin luz; 90% sin teléfono. Pérdidas en la infraestructura: 100% en la agricultura; 50% en la manufactura; 90% en las carreteras; 40% en los puentes. >>> Impact: Town in critical state. 500 refugees. Health organizations are operational; there are medicines and doctors. 50% without water. 95% without light; 90% without phones. Loss to the infrastructure: 100% in agriculture; 50% in manufacturing; 90% in highways; 40% in bridges. Necesidades: Problemas para comunicarse con FEMA. Maquinaria para enterrar a los pollos muertos. >>> Needs: Communication problems with FEMA (I suspect this is not a need but a problem!). Machinery to bury dead chickens. CIALES Alcalde: Angel M. Otero Pagán Teléfono/Contacto: 871-3500 Impacto: 741 refugiados. Deslizamientos peligrosos en las carreteras 149 y 157 (barrio La Piedra). Toda la jurisdicción de Ciales está transitable. Las carreteras hacia Morovis, Orocovis y Manatí están transitables. Pérdidas cuantiosas en la agricultura y en residencias >>> Impact: 741 refugees. Dangerous mudslides on Highways 149 and 157 ("slum" La Piedra). All of the jurisdiction of Ciales is transable. The highways to Morovis, Orocovis and Manati are transable. Large losses in agriculture and residences. Necesidades: Ayuda directa de las agencias. >>> Needs: Direct help to the agencies. COROZAL Alcalde: Carlos Serra Vélez Teléfono/Contacto: Defensa Civil 859-2052 Impacto: Pueblo en estado crítico. 58 refugiados. 95% sin agua; 100% sin luz; 75% sin teléfono. 100% pérdida total en la agricultura; 50% carreteras dañadas; 10% puentes dañados; 20% facilidades deportivas dañadas. 3,500 residencias pérdida total y averiadas. >>> Impact: Town in critical state. 58 refugees. 95% without water; 100% without light; 75% without phones. 100% total loss in agriculture; 50% of highways damaged; 10% of bridges damaged; 20% of sports facilities damaged. 3,500 residences total loss or damage. Necesidades: Camiones de agua, toldos para techos, ropa, alimentos, pañales desechables, leche para bebé. >>> Needs: Water trucks, everything for roofs, clothing, nutrition, disposable diapers, milk for babies. GUANICA Alcalde: Edwin Galarza Quiñones Teléfono/Contacto: Domingo Mercado, director de la Defensa Civil. 821-2079 Impacto: Pueblo en estado sumamente crítico. 323 refugiados. 97% sin agua; 100% sin luz; 95% sin teléfono. 100% pérdida en la agricultura; 100% pérdida en la manufactura. $8,000,000 estimado en pérdidas; 1,500 residencias pérdida total; 500 residencias averiadas; daños al comercio y al área turística. >>> Impact: In sum, town in critital state. 323 refugees. 97% without water; 100% without light; 95% without phones. 100% loss in agriculture; 100% loss in manufacturing. $8,000,000 estimated in loss; 1,500 residences totally lost; 500 residences damaged; damages to commerical and tourist areas. Necesidades: Oasis de agua, medicamentos, catres, alimentos, pañales desechables, alimentos para bebé. >>> Needs: Water supply, medicines, cots, nutrition, disposable diapers, food for babies. GUAYAMA Alcalde: Héctor Colón Mendoza Teléfono/Contacto: Orlando Collazo Vázquez, director Defensa Civil. 864-1946 Impacto: Pueblo en estado crítico. 100% sin agua ni luz; 60% sin teléfono. 100% pérdida en la agricultura; 30% pérdida en la manufactura; 25% puentes dañados; 1% barrios incomunicados; 40% residencias destruidas; 70% residencias averiadas. $12,000,000 estimado en pérdidas. >>> Impact: Town in critical state. 100% without water or light; 60% without phone. 100% loss in agriculture; 30% loss in manufacturing; 25% of bridges damaged; 1% of "slums" without communication; 40% of residences destroyed; 70% of residences damaged. $12,000,000 estimated in losses. Necesidades: Sangre, agua, todo tipo de ayuda alimentaria. >>> Needs: Blood, water and all types of nutritional help. HORMIGUEROS Alcalde: Francisco Javier Rivera Teléfono/Contacto: Alcaldía 849-1630; Defensa Civil 849-2444 Impacto: Pueblo en estado crítico. 63 refugiados. 100% sin agua ni luz; 70% sin teléfono. 100% pérdida en la agricultura y en la manufactura. 383 residencias con daños mínimos; 92 residencias pérdida total; 412 residencias averiadas. >>> Impact: Town in critical state. 63 refugees. 100% without water or light; 70% without phone. 100% loss in agriculture and manufacturing. 383 residences with minimal damage; 92 residences with total loss; 412 residences damaged. Necesidades: Camiones de agua, oasis para el refugio, medicamentos, plantas eléctricas, lámparas. >>> Needs: Water trucks, refuge shelter, medicines, generators, any kind of lamp not powered by electric. JUANA DIAZ Alcalde: Santiago Martínez Teléfono: 837-2185, ext. 2201 Impacto: Pueblo en estado crítico. 1,500 refugiados. Las instalaciones de salud están operando, con medicinas y médicos. Pérdidas en la infraestructura: 90% en la agricultura. >>> Impact: Town in critical state. 1,500 refugees. Health organizations are operating, with medicines and doctors. Losses in the infrastructure: 90% in agriculture. Necesidades: Agua potable >>> Needs: Drinkable water. JUNCOS Alcalde: Gilberto Conde Román Teléfono/Contacto: Miguel Piñero, director de la Defensa Civil. 734-2274; 734-4882. Impacto: Pueblo en estado crítico. 40% sin teléfono; 100% pérdidas en la agricultura; 40% pérdidas en la manufactura; 45% carreteras dañadas; 30% puentes dañados; 40 refugiados. $50,000,000 estimados en pérdidas; 1,200 residencias pérdida total. >>> Impact: Town in critical state. 40% without phones; 100% loss in agriculture; 40% loss in manufacturing; 45% of highways damaged; 30% of bridges damaged. 40 refugees. $50,000,000 estimated in losses. 1,200 residences totally lost. Necesidades: Agua, luz, ropa, pañales desechables, toldos para las casas, leche para bebé, comida, mattress. >>> Needs: Water, light, clothing, disposable diapers, everything for houses, milk for babies, food, mattresses. LAJAS Alcalde: Luis A. Oliver Teléfono: 889-1550 Impacto: Pueblo en estado crítico. 200 refugiados. Hay problemas en las instalaciones de salud; se necesitan médicos y medicinas. 60% sin agua; 90% sin luz; 60% sin teléfono. Pérdidas en la insfrestructura: 100% en la agricultura; 100% en la manufactura; 10% en las carreteras. >>> Impact: Town in critical state. 200 refugees. There are problems in the health institutions; they need doctors and medicines. 60% without water; 90% without light; 60% without phone. Loss to the infrastructure: 100% in agriculture; 100% in manufacturing; 10% in highways. Necesidades: Pañales desechables y toldos; medicamentos para diarrea. Poco acceso al FEMA; no hay muchos operadores que hablen español. >>> Needs: disposable diapers and everything; medicine for diarrhea. Little access to FEMA; there are not many operators who speak Spanish. MANATI Alcalde: Juan Aubín Cruz Manzano Teléfono/Contacto: Defensa Civil 854-2110 Impacto: Pueblo en estado crítico. 85% sin agua; 50% sin luz. 53 refugiados. 100% pérdida en la agricultura; 100% pérdida en la manufactura; 15% carreteras dañadas; 15% puentes dañados. $25,000,000 estimado en pérdidas; 7,035 viviendas pérdida parcial; 400 residencias pérdida total. >>> Impact: Town in critical state. 85% without water; 50% without light. 53 refugees. 100% loss in agriculture; 100% loss in manufacturing; 15% of highways damaged; 15% of bridges damaged. $25,000,l000 estimated in losses. 7,035 are living with partial losses; 400 residences totally lost. Necesidades: Oasis de agua, comida, pañales desechables. >>> Needs: Water supply, food, disposable diapers. OROCOVIS Alcalde: Jesús M. Colón Teléfono: 867-5060 Impacto: Pueblo en estado crítico. 300 refugiados. Las instalaciones de salud están operando; hay medicinas y médicos. 90% sin agua; 100% sin luz; 95% sin teléfono. Pérdidas en la infraestructura: 100% en la agricultura; 100% en la manufactura; 90% en las carreteras; 60% en los puentes. 20% de los barrios están incomunicados. >>> Impact: Town in critical state. 300 refugees. Health institutions are operating; there are medicines and doctors. 90% without water; 100% without power; 95% without phones. Loss to the infrastructure: 100% in agriculture; 100% in manufacturing; 90% in highways; 60% in bridges. 20% of the "slums" without communication. Necesidades: Techos para refugiados, agua potable. >>> Needs: Roofs for refugees, drinkable water. RINCON Alcalde: Rubén Caro Muñiz Teléfono: 823-2180 Impacto: Pueblo en estado crítico. 80 refugiados. Algunas instalaciones de salud no están operando; hay medicinas y médicos. 80% sin agua; 80% sin luz; 50% sin teléfono. Pérdidas en la infraestructura: 100% en la agricultura; 20% en los puentes. >>> Impact: Town in critical state. 80 refugees. Some health institutes are not operating; there are medicines and doctors. 80% without water; 80% without light; 50% without phones. Loss to the infrastructure: 100% in agriculture; 20% in bridges. Necesidades: Agua y leche. >>> Needs: Water and milk. SABANA GRANDE Alcalde: Miguel G. Ortiz Vélez Teléfono: 873-3877 Impacto: Pueblo en estado crítico. 134 refugiados. Las instalaciones de salud están operando, con medicinas y médicos. 60% sin agua; 85% sin luz; 5% sin teléfono. Pérdidas en la infraestructura: 100% en la agricultura; 100% en la manufactura. >>> Impact: Town in critical state. 134 refugees. Health institutions are operating with medicines and doctors. 60% without water; 85% without power; 5% without phone. Loss to the infrastructure: 100% in agriculture; 100% in manufacturing. Necesidades: Agua potable, gasolina, servicios sociales, recogido de basura, fondos para reembolsar a los médicos. >>> Needs: Drinkable water, gasoline, social services, trash collection, reimbursement funds and medicines. SANTA ISABEL Alcalde: Angel Sánchez Teléfono/Contacto: Víctor Borges, director de la Defensa Civil. 845-5335 Impacto: Pueblo en estado crítico. 100% sin agua ni luz; 80% sin teléfono. 641 refugiados. $15,000,000 pérdidas en la agricultura; 1% puentes averiado. 824 casas averiadas; daños a las facilidades deportivas. >>> Impact: Town in critical state. 100% without water or light; 80% without phones. 641 refugees. $15,000,00 loss in agriculture; 1% of bridges damages. 824 damage cases; damages to sports facilities. Necesidades: Medicinas. >>> Needs: Medicine. TOA ALTA Alcalde: Angel E. Rodríguez Teléfono: 870-2100, 870-1006 Impacto: Situación del municipio descrita como "corriendo''. 332 refugiados. Las instalaciones de salud están operando, con medicinas y médicos. 50% sin agua; 60% sin luz; 50% sin teléfono. Pérdidas en la infraestructura: 100% en la agricultura; 80% en la manufactura. >>> Impact: Government describes the situation as "running". 332 refugees. Health origanizations are operations, with medicine and doctors. 50% without water; 60% without power; 50% without phone. Loss to the infrastructure: 100% in agriculture; 80% in manufacturing. Necesidades: Agua potable, comida y ropa para refugiados. >>> Needs: Drinkable water, food and clothing for refugees. VEGA BAJA Alcalde: Luis Meléndez Cano Teléfono/Contacto: Fermín Otero, director de la Defensa Civil. 855-4003 Impacto: Pueblo en estado crítico. 100 refugiados. 50% sin agua; 20% sin luz ni teléfono. 100% pérdidas en la agricultura; 40% pérdidas en la manufactura. 500 casas pérdida total. >>> Impact: Town in critical state. 100 refugees. 50% without water; 20% without light or phone. 100% loss in agriculture; 40% loss in manufacturing. 500 houses with total losses. Necesidades: Restauración del agua, camión para llevar agua a las residencias, comidas enlatadas. >>> Needs: Water restoration, a truck to bring water to the residences, canned food.
Good to see that Ivan Bermudez is checking in with us again! -Gert He also recommends the following website for pictures so you can see what Georges did to Puerto Rico... http://www.boricua.ch/georges/ Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1998 20:33:17 -0700 From: Ivan Rodriguez Bermudez (ivanrb@prtc.net) It is 7:34PM, Tuesday October 6. 1998. This is the first time since Hurricane Georges hit the island of Puerto Rico that we have electricity in my home in Bayamón. And this is the first time I've seen your message of September 21, 1998. I'm 50 years old and I have been through several of this tropical storms in the past, but this one was the mother of all storms. A complete roof fell between my house and my neighbor's house hitting and destroying one of my windows. At one point during the storm the wind wasn't howling, it was screaming like a demon thrown out of hell! And if I told you that I wasn't scared I would be lying to you. The enormity of it all was beyond comprehension. The island of Puerto Rico is 100 miles from East to West and 35 miles from North to South but the hurricane was twice that size, it engulfed the whole island. No corner, street, house, tree, beach, mountain, or anything or anywhere on the island was untouched. All the trees are bare, a sight no one has ever seen before, only in places where there are winters can you see anything like that. Youngsters are so shocked by the sudden change of living one day in the 20th century and the next being thrown back to the 19th century, that some 15 of those youths have committed suicide. People have stolen ice bags at gunpoint, water tanks have been emptied of their contents at night, electric generators are stolen regularly as well. It's the law of the jungle in some places over here. Fistfights have taken place while waiting in line for a bag of ice. Without traffic lights you are putting your life in danger every time you go out to get anything to eat or drink. Life as we knew it is returning ever so slowly, day by day, hour by hour. I could go on and on but these few glimpses of how life can be once the boring every day-to-day tedium you all know now is gone, can give you an idea of how life could be after nuclear warfare, a major earthquake or an asteroid hits the earth. I'm a Vietnam veteran, 1970: served in-country in 2d battalion 501st infantry (Geronimo), 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles). Bronze Star medal recipient. My heartfelt thanks for taking time to care about others across the globe.
Date: Mon, 05 Oct 1998 00:52:30 -0300 From: Debra Vela (davela@caribe.net) Subject: Re: Update from San Juan Dear Gert and everybody - I GOT POWER TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a relief! Well, kind of. I cleaned my safe house's refrigerator when I moved in and thought that smell was bad (4 days after Georges). Mine has gone two weeks. Uuuuugggghhhh. I've spent four hours on it and it still doesn't smell right. I soaped and waterered it, including just THROWING buckets of water into it to rinse; I have drainage in my kitchen so throwing water is an okay thing; I anti-bactererized it with some spray stuff and rinsed again; I dried it out and then cloroxied it. Still smells funny. Hope it goes away in a few days. My phones are goofy. I can call from my cell to my home unit and it just rings and rings and rings. I have two lines and the other gets a fast busy. But being here, I have dial-tone on both - just no ring. When I call from my cell, I am into another cell site. Now that I'm home, I have to walk several blocks to get into a cell site which means I cannot hear the phones physically ringing. I'll do more investigation tomorrow so that those of you with loved ones on cell can figure out what is going on. The bestest news is that Sam Juan and I are reunited. Went to her "family's" home to pick her up first thing after I got power. We played and played and played and then went out to do business. She's laying on my feet right now. My God, it it SOOOOOOO good to have her back! I really missed her. But Thank You, Pilar and Jaime for the excellect care you took of her! Unfortunately, they still don't have power but are moving into his parent's house today, who do have power. My biggest problem is that I live on a Callejon (alley) in Old San Juan, which generally speaking, is fairly safe from junkies and all, but without security lights . . . They are now back on and Sam and I are HOME!!! No junkies prowling outside my house! I'm moving back to Ocean Park as soon as I possibly can. Is anyone interested in nominitating Gert for the Nobel Peace Prize? He has done an outstanding job in keeping us all informed throughout all the years. I don't know how to do this, but if anyone reads this, I will give my 100% to see that he gets SOME recognition. Sorry, Gert, but please don't humble yourself by cutting out this paragraph. Let it out on the 'Net. You deserve a heck of a lot of recognition. And I will check the Hurricane Pages to make sure that cut and "paste" doesn't get in my way. Other than that, Puerto Rico is very much on the way to recovery. Pat and I went to Rio Grande mountains to cut one of my Consultants out. We moved major trees and debris from her house and at least, she was starting to feel a little bit more normal. We had dinner by candlelight and didn't want to use to restroom up there because they still don't have water or electricity. I'm used to sitting behind a keyboard and now have discovered muscles I didn't know I had. Ouch. Went to Shannon's, one of the places in town with satellite, and saw my 'Boys kick butt against the 'Skins. 31-10. I'm a big Dallas fan so if I'm watching football, you know we're returning to normal. And we need it. Gert, many thanks to you. Am grateful to be alive. Don't cut and paste. v.
Date: Sun, 4 Oct 1998 13:50:40 -0400 From: Luis Salazar (luis@motorcycler.com) Subject: Back On-Line SAN JUAN, PR Sunday 10/03/98 1330 AST Well we're back with power. No need to let everyone know the devastation and destruction, that is now history. Georges will be long remembered as a devastating killer in the Caribbean along with such infamous names as Hortense, Marilyn, Hugo, David, San Felipe and San Cipriaco. On a personal note I would like to thank the many of you who have written by e-mail with encouraging words and it really has made the day. I know none of you personally but receiving warm, kind regards from someone who cares made the difference and it was important. My mind is now set on the Dominican Republic where there are over 1000 souls dead or missing and where devastation is incredible. My thoughts are with a gentleman by the name of Tom who e-mailed me from the states to see how conditions were before the cyclone as he and his family were leaving for Puerto Plata for some time off.
Earlier reports have been moved to this webpage.
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