|
The Caribbean Hurricane PageUpdates from the Islands
|
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...
The most recent updates can be found on another page.
For the people who have been following Georges on this website since the beginning, will be happy to note that Rafael Buxeda Díaz is checking in again! -Gert Date: Sun, 27 Sep 1998 01:00:50 -0400 From: "rafa://puerto rico" (rafapr@sprynet.com) Subject: Post-Georges Well, I finally got power back, a scarce two hours ago. I've had water since yesterday. I would like to start off thanking each and everyone that has filled my mailbox with messages. My internet server also appreciates that I was finally able to empty it. I will deal with specific requests tomorrow Sunday. I also have to take my hat off to stateside correspondents that have relayed messages from family and friends in Puerto Rico. Those of us on the islands where obviously in no position to provide information. I really think that the unsung heroes are the power company workers, as well as police, civil defense, telephone and water works. They are putting in a vast amount of work, at times working 15 hours shifts, just to get some semblance of normality back in our lives. As a case in point, there was a policeman trying to keep traffic flowing near my house. He was stuck there 12 hours, straight, under a tropical sun, with no water, food or bathroom facilities. The neighbors got together, and made very sure the man had a hot lunch, as much water as he wanted and a bathroom. A few thumb sketches about the storm per se. Just after I lost power, but certainly while there was still sunlight, I glanced out my window. The wind was already picking up. And I was triple checking every thing, since I knew time was running short. I noticed what I thought was a wisp of smoke. Upon making sure my eyes where not playing tricks on me, I was able to see that the smoke was in fact rain, that was being pulled from one side to another by the wind, and not letting it fall, as we are accustomed to seeing. Those of you that might have seen Tornado, and think that's what a storm sounds like, I have news for you. It's not even close. It's a constant SHHH sounds, that every now and then sounds as if they had fired a shotgun full of gusts at the windows. Since it hits with no advanced warning, you are constantly jumping, just know that if something is going to give, it's going to be during a gust. You are constantly hearing debris hitting something, or a roof literally ripped off, not knowing when and if something is blown into the walls where you are trying to weather the storm. The sound is constant. After what you feel as if hours had passed, your watch tells you no more than four minutes have gone by. I had gone through Hugo, back in '89. And I thought I had notch on my gun handle. Don't be fooled. Ain't no such thing. You simply have no idea of what is happening outside, nor if and when, a door or window will succumb to the wind. Please note, that I have NOT even thrown into the equation the fear of a overflowing river. The truth of the matter is that once a window or door goes, or a river overflows, there's not much you can do. Nature will take it's course, and mankind is a small nuisance. Instantaneous communications, and microwaves, and climate control might be fine and dandy. But when nature feels that the time has come to balance the accounting, and reclaim land where a river use to flow, it will do so. When winds knock out the power system and the water system, there is very little we can done, except live by candlelight, or try to bath with two quarts of water. All of a sudden, we are thrown back 50 years, and just trying to procure some canned good, which you know will have to be eaten cold, becomes a task. There is simply no way to explain to a child why he doesn't have his formula, or why it is cold. The infirm that need life sustaining medications, will drive any human being with any degree of feeling to stand on a line, for hours at a time, for a bag of ice. I am NOT saying, in any manner of form, that there people in Santo Domingo, or Haiti, much worse than we are in Puerto Rico, or even that there are folks in Puerto Rico much worse than I am. But the sad truth is that it is simply inconceivable, in other words, it can not be conceived, that in this time and age, a radio personality can reach Jayuya, BEFORE the National Guard is able to do so. It makes you wonder where someone has placed our priorities, when private citizens, can obtain trucks and foodstuffs and water and medicine and drive into the mountains, to provide some degree of relief to people that have no way to reach larger towns, due to impassable roads, have no gasoline to drive earth-moving equipment, are disconnected from the rest of humanity, so that their pleas for help can not even be heard. I have heard mayors from central mountains towns, have their voices piped into a AM radio station in San Juan, literally on the verge of tears and desperate for any type of help, cause they have done as much as they can do, with there own limited resources, and no help is available. I am among the lucky ones, I was only without electrical power for 120 hours, I was on the second floor of a four story, 60 year old concrete building, I could walk to a supermarket, and a ATM machine, and there was a gas station a stroll away with auxiliary power, I could had a half decent hot meal by Wednesday. I shudder to think what may have happened of my roof had been blown away, or had to climb on the roof to avid being sweep away, or lost everything to wind and rain, except for the cloth on my back, or being unable to get money out of the back, or had fallen sick and unable to reach medical treatment, or not knowing how my family and friends had weathered the storm, or gone hungry, but really hungry, or forced to seek shelter in a refuge center. YET, that is exactly how, God only knows, many Puerto Ricans are at this exact time. And the only news they receive is that they MAY get back power by Christmas, or that the local water filtration plant is out of service and no ones how long they will have to go to water distribution trucks to wash dishes, and bathe, or flush toilets. Their only hope is to call some 800 number, when they barely have phone service; and then they are asked to provide pictures of damages, when even of they could get a camera, they might not be able to gas up a car, or pay for photo development. Farmers and business people will be asked to fill out endless forms to gets loans, that will only put them more in debt than they were a week ago. And then, we dare say that we are helping our fellow man. We have discovered that there is another Puerto Rico, just scrapping by, while some of us thought we had it easy. Georges has brought to the forefront the differences among us. We have all been knocked off our high, holy horses and reduced to the least common denominator. While some of us can travel on four lane highways, we are discovering that there are two lane roads, that a fallen tree will close off. While some of us can go to a mall that's a small city onto itself, we are discovering that there are towns that have to make do with a couple of grocery stores. This is not meant to wretch any hearts, put rather to point out what Puerto Rico is in fact, and even those of us in Puerto Rico, have either forgotten, or chosen to look the other way. Make no mistake. This may well have been the worst storm in the last fifty years, and probably the worst natural disaster in a lifetime. But by no stretch of the imagination we will let this get us down. Puerto Rico will rise upon itself, if for no other reason than we have done to before, and a vast amount of Puerto Ricans are doing it, day to day, storm or no storm. I just hope that from this adversity we learn that we can not master nature, we must learn to co-exist with nature. I just hope we remember that no matter how well off some of us are, there are many more just barely making it. And they are doing it just out of shear will power, forgotten by their fellow countrymen, with very little, if any, help from government. Last put not least, a quick glance at my e-mail, has a good many requests for information about specific areas. Unfortunately, I can not provide specifics. I can point you out to the Nuevo Dia's web page. http://endi.com/locales/ The news is not only timely, but may provide information on specific areas. I am conscious of the fact that the information it is in Spanish. But if you think the information you are looking for is found on the web page, just cut and paste, and drop me a e-mail. And I will gladly translate. If it is any consolation to those of you that have been unable to reach a particular friend or member of the family, please bear in mind the following. When I called Gert on Wednesday, I was calling for over a hour, since the long distances circuits to Puerto Rico were overloaded. Add onto this that many towns can place calls outside the townships. In fact, somebody in a shelter, may not even be able to reach a public phone. Cellular mobile service, is haphazard, since many of the mountain towns do not have coverage within the town itself during normal times. Add onto this that batteries have to be running low, and phone towers, even if they are still standing, may not have auxiliary power. I am sure every one is safe and within circumstances well. Just keep trying, that eventually you will be able to contact them. Again, as soon as I can figure out if Sammy Sosa is the new President after impeaching McGuire, and how the homerun race between Lewinsky and Clinton is going, I will get back to any requests over the last dew days. desde la nación boricua, cuna del Rossellato, aunque sea por seis años más(tm) rafa://puerto rico PD: Renacuajo has taken a liking to black and white cookies, and sends her MUAS along.
Date: Sun, 27 Sep 1998 00:29:11 -0700 From: Rich Hall (richhall@erols.com) Subject: Vieques I am so grateful for this site, and that we are able to communicate with others about a concern that we all have for our relatives in our homeland. I have alot of family in Vieques and I am unable to locate them. I have spoken to my family in Fajardo and they did not suffer a lot of damage. They do not have electricity and do not have running water but they seem to have prepared themselves very well. They also are not able to call to Vieques to see how are other family members are but if any one hears anything in the condition of Vieques please let me know. Thanks so much. I have everyone in the Carribean in my prayers. Thanks, Nancy Ramirez-Hall
Date: Sat, 26 Sep 1998 22:41:17 -0300 From: Debra Vela (davela@caribe.net) Subject: Update from San Juan Debra from San Juan . . . Sorry I've been off for a few days but things have been rather hectic. I am still without power and water so I stayed for a few days at the Hampton Inn and their generator so that I could get my clients back up. My reservation ran out and, thankfully, Isla Verde was one of the first to get power and I have a friend there so I moved here today. I was in the process of moving my offices to one of the banks in Hato Rey and went to check on them yesterday. Bad shape. Four of the windows blew open and one blew out which means the brand new carpet was flooded and we have glass everywhere. Since the wind and rain came in, the ceiling tiles and air vents received major damage. If we can salvage the carpet, we can continue moving both my client and us (we share the space). If not, we'll have to wait approximately two months for new carpet. Tempers are starting to flare out of control and people are starting to be rather mean and nasty to one another. I've been depressed for two days now. I just want everyone to be nice to one another. We've all been through enough. San Juan is recovering much quicker than the rest of the island. Power is starting to be restored in several areas, hospitals being the main priority. Cleanup is going well; most roads within the metro area are passable. Gas stations, grocery stores, businesses, etc. are starting to open and in many cases the lines are outrageous. I went to Burger King in Hato Rey yesterday and had to wait 30 minutes to have my order taken. I went to Texaco in Isla Verde yesterday morning and although the wait wasn't too bad, two people cut in front of me in line. Driving is extremely dangerous as most signal lights are out, but people are still driving the same way - fast and Me First. I've been receiving an extreme amount of e-mail. I will not be able to repond to each of you individually, but want to thank all of you. Many e-mails were about specific towns and hotels and I will summarize for you: San Juan and the metro fared far much better than the rest of the island. Our services are being restored and unfortunately, we have many shortages. We were very lucky. Ponce was probably hit the hardest, next to Mayaguez, Fajardo, and Humacao. I haven't heard from my Consultant who lives in Ponce at all. My client has not heard from their employees from there either. The reports we do hear is no fatalities, just heavy damage and everything is a mess. We are not hearing reports of deaths so your loved ones are most probably safe, just out of touch because a lot of phone lines are down. I've heard that the El Conquistador in Fajardo was destroyed. Them's the words used but I don't have verification on this. When I was looking for a hotel room (with a generator and cistern), the Ambassador was closing for approximately four months, the Caribe Hilton was not accepting clients, the El San Juan was not accepting clients, the San Juan Grand was not accepting clients, the Ritz Carlton's generators blew because they were supplying a/c to each room, the El Convento in Old San Juan was booked and the Wyndham in Old San Juan was not accepting clients. Some are due to severe damage, others to lack of electricity and water. Each individual hotel will have to update you on readiness - all have phone service. The government has been working overtime here in San Juan to repair the electricity. Thank you. Can I be next? This is selfish of me! I just heard that one of the employees of San Juan Vacations house was destroyed and he lost everything. He and his mother found their way to their car during the storm and although it was turned over a few times, they survived, but she won't come out of the car. She's shocked so emotionally. They're still trying to get her to come out. He has been in the same clothes since the hurricane. I don't have any men's clothing but do have some t-shirts that will fit him so will give them to him tomorrow. Another friend (male) is going to give him shorts and pants. We didn't find out about this until after he left work today. This was his first day back. Although, I'm depressed, I think I can live out of a suitcase for a few more days after hearing this and other stories. I'll report again in a couple of days about restorations or sooner if anything significant developes. I'm exhausted. v.
Date: Sat, 26 Sep 1998 21:57:09 -0400 From: Dennis Franqui (imageu@worldnet.att.net) Subject: Puerto Real, Cabo Rojo Spoke to my father today he lives in Puerto Real, Cabo Rojo. They just got phone service and are able to call out. Many homes and businesses totally destroyed no power or water. Estimates indicated it may be months before power is restored to Puerto Real, Mayaguez is the same banks, closed as are major stores in Cabo Rojo and Mayaguez My father is looking for a Generator to run his wife's nebulizer any one who can help me get one to him please contact me.. Anyone know if UPS is delivering to Puerto Rico Dennis Franqui West Palm Beach Fl.
Date: Sat, 26 Sep 1998 13:13:07 PDT From: Carolyn Allen (callen789@hotmail.com) Subject: Puerto Rico First, our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. And thank god for this website it has helped me get through the week. My parents were down in Fajardo on business. They are okay and just trying to get home. My mom said that it is a very sad situation but people are really pulling together. Their hotel Parador La Familia only had a little damage. The San Juan Airport has few flights leaving. My parents have been trying to get out all day.(Saturday) Right now they are on the 4:18 too Miami - I hope they are on it. The airport is running off generators so Air Traffic Control has limited time running the radars. If anyone needs some info please feel free to write and I can see what I can do. When my parents get home they will be able to tell us a lot more. Good luck to all and God Bless!!! Carolyn Allen Greensburg, PA
Date: Sat, 26 Sep 1998 13:08:35 -0400 From: Jorge L. Belendez (belendez@caribe.net) Subject: LASTEST... WILL WRITE MORE LATER... Dear Family and Friends: Since yesterday afternoon I have been working in the coordination to get the Emergency Plant in our Condominium back in working order. Althought I am not now in the Board of Directors as past twice president it seems that I am the "de facto" Emergency Officer, jajaja. There are a lot of elderly people in this condominium (in this community) and when I am not writing I am all over the place giving confort, solving problems, making a much needed joke and even when I feel like siting down and let go I have to make everybody feel that all is well and that they can be calm in the knowledge that somebody is tking care of the building. The plant is up again, and that mean some VERY old neighbors do not have to climb 20 floors on a dark stairway. Will write later. All is well and everybody is working very hard. Take care, Se cuidan. Un abrazo, Jorge
Date: Sat, 26 Sep 1998 07:03:14 -0400 From: John & Carol Robertson (john.robertson@worldnet.att.net) Subject: Ponce Hi, My neighbor Lydia heard from her sister and family Friday in Ponce. She has phone service and said there is no electricity and with the 90+ temperatures it is very hot and hard not even having a fan to cool down. It is especially hard on the elderly like Lydia's mother. She said the water is rationed and turned on for about an hour a time. Lydia also heard from her Uncle in Fajardo whose son is in Utuado (I think) They heard there is a truck traveling from San Juan to Utuado with medicines and supplies. Here in the states I saw on the news that 2-3 cargo planes loaded with water flew out of McGuire Air Force base Friday and more flights are planned today. Our many thanks to all who have helped keep us informed and our prayers to our friends in the Caribbean. Lydia has also offered to call her sister for anyone who can't get through to their relatives in Ponce. Carol Robertson & Lydia Mascerelli
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 18:24:27 -0700 From: William A. Gracey (wgracey@earthlink.net) Subject: Thouhgts of PR Thank you all for your information and thoughts. I could not have made it through the week without this site. Living in CA, I don't get to PR as often as I would like, I we get very little news out here. Like probably a lot of you, I am experiencing the same feelings of helplessness and isolation. When I woke up weeping in the middle of the night on Wednesday, I realized that I was actually going through the grieving process. Even though I knew my family was o.k., I grieved for the beauty that was lost - the trees, the animals, and especially the little wooden, pastel-colored houses that have meant so much to me. To think about the devastation is almost unbearable. After talking to my sister in Juncos last night, she tried to reassure me that it won't be too long before PR will be like it was. She spent the day at her school cleaning and getting the classrooms ready for school on Monday. Hopefully, that will happen. My sister's husband has been back to work for several days at his company - most of the work has been cleaning and getting things back to order. My mother says that many of the companies near Manati and Barceloneta are operational.
If anyone has heard any news from or about Coamo, please share it. A new PR e-mail friend from Milwaukee is desperate for information. Her e-mail is riveraai@mail.milwaukee.k12.wi.us if you know anything specific about Coamo. I'm not sure if she has access to this web site or just e-mail. She was given a copy of my posting by someone else. Gracias Maria Baez Gracey
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 17:15:11 +0200 From: "Quinones, Roberto K." (quinoner@unt11.eucom.mil) Forwarded by: Eric Torres (Yurissette@aol.com) Subject: RE: News from Ponce Torres, Just got through to Ponce , not much damage to Rio Chiquito, a couple of houses here and there but all and all everything is all right,La yuca suffered the most, no lights, phones are up but they can't call out. VAlle Alto is fine minimal damage, Los diamante is alright , minimal damage, Cuomo lost lots of houses, could not get an estimate. Can you p[lease do me one favor and post this to the Site, so that others may read it. Thank you and may God Bless. P.S. unforutuntley the worst comes out in some people in these situation, in ponce people are being robbed for bags of ICE at gun point. Sad, but it is true. Once again, please post this Msg, as I am unable to today. Thanks Roberto from Stuttgart Germany Patch Brks
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 15:16:32 -0700 From: Zulema Arroyo (zarroyo@hmausa.com) Subject: Mayaguez y Cabo rojo, Puerto Rico He recibido noticias de una amiga puertorriquena residente en Phoenix que a la vez tiene una amiga que vivio el hurancan en Puerto Rico y tiene que decir sobre las condiciones. En mayaguez de como la calle comercio quedo completamente inundada por la desembocadura del rio al igual que todas las casas en esa area. Los ranchones de mecanicos en el piso. La calle post es un desatre desde la cuesta de las piedras hasta el Vista Verde Shopping Center a ambos lados. Los techos parecen arrancados como papel.(Inclusive los de cemento). Cerro de las mesas y miradero tienen las carreteras abiertas pero es un desastre. La agricultura queso totalmente destruida. El Mayaguez Mall perdio la tienda Wallmart , ya que el techo fue llevado por la tormenta. En cabo rojo, la gente de Joyuda quedo muy afectada. Los restaurantes no existen ya. La marea y el viento los arrastro a dentro del mar literalmente. Dicen que Joyuda parece un puente con arboles colgando a ambos lados. Puedes comunicarte hacia alla pero ellos no pueden llamar hacia afuera, ni aun dentro de Puerto Rico.
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 17:02:16 -0400 From: Janet_Gonzalez@nacre.com Subject: Villalba & Sabana Grande I received the following information from the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration office in New York (212-252-7300): Villalba No deaths, power or water Sustained a lot of flooding, and many of the homes are without roofs 359 people are in 5 shelters, most of which are children in need of mattresses, sleeping bags, water, etc... 50% possibility that phone service will be restored to this area by tomorrow Sabana Grande No deaths, power or water Sustained heavy damage; many homes w/o roofs 620 are in shelters
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 15:43:38 -0700 From: TY RODRIGUEZ (BUTTERFLIES-ANGELS@email.msn.com) Subject: Bayamon & Barranquitas Hi - First I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the information that you have provided!!! I would like to tell you that we have been in communications with our grandmother in Bayamon, P.R. (Magnolia Gardens area) and she has lost the awning in the back and front of the house as well as a tree that was uprooted in the rear of the house. They are without water and electricity, but thank heavens they still have the phone. Of the hurricane itself, she could only say that it was very scary. The rattling from the shutters was deafening. I am just relieved that they are well. They were in need of an ambulance to care for her sister, but neither the ambulance nor the police were able to get to them. She didn't specify whether it was because of the roads or the unavailability of someone to tend to them. However, we have yet to hear from our grandfather (Major Luis Valencia) in Barranquitas. If anyone has heard from anyone in Barranquitas or perhaps a neighboring town, we would love to hear from someone. Our grandfather is in a wheelchair and his wife is bedridden and we're in need of some information regarding their status. Thanking you in advance! Ty & Angelica Rodriguez
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 12:51:33 -0400 From: Jorge L. Belendez (belendez@caribe.net) Subject: LATEST NEWS FROM PUERTO RICO FRIDAY 25 SEP AT 12:46 PM Its Friday 25 SEP 98: The day again started again with beehive type activity. This is a preliminary report so that you have some general information on the general situation. To those who have written to me specifically thanking me, I am grateful and only ask that they continue their prayers, not only for Puerto Rico, but for our brothers and sisters in the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba. The latest reports indicate that the loss of lives in the Dominican Republic is well in excess of 120 lives. I don't even want to think of how thing are in Haiti. The total number of persons in shelters in Puerto Rico is close to 60,000. Two ships with drinking water are on the way each bringing close to 1,000,000 gallons. The different Churches are doing a WONDERFUL job in helping out evrybody regardless of creed. SPECIFIC TOWN INFORMATION: --------------------------- GUANICA: --------- The Mayor of Guanica reports that the agriculture in that town has suffered a TOTAL, a 100% loss. UTUADO: -------- Was hit very hard but the road leading from Arecibo to Utuado is now open. JAYUYA: ------- Al hit very hard and was until today incomunicated. However the road from Utuado is now open and the well known radio reporter Luis Francisco Ojeda has left San Juan with an incredible amount of food and donations that he has singlehandedly raised without the help from government. TELEPHONE INFRASTRUCTURE: -------------------------- The telephone infrastructure has received extensive damage. Some towns are still totally incommunicated. The "official" estimate of telephones that are down is 200,000 lines. But somehow that seems an absurdly low figure in view of the fact that whole towns are without telephone service. The Puerto Rico Telephone Company cellular network seems to be down. The Cellular One network which is in working order. ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE: --------------------------- Some sectors report that the have electrical energy. The good news is that the generating plants did not receive any harm. But the Director of the Electrical Corporation indicated that the main high voltage lines 230,000 volts did not go down. But he indicated that the poles that supply the individual homes and businesses in many cases are down. Some look that they have been cut down with an electric. He indicated that the San Juan Metropolitan area should have electricity in the next few days, with some pockets that have serious problems. WATER SERVICES INFRASTRUCTURE: -------------------------------- The water treatment plant that supplies water to the San Juan metropolitan area, the Sergio Cuevas Plant, is reported well under way to begin service. Many areas in the San Juan metropolitan area have water service, although the water has, naturally, to be boiled. TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE: -------------------------------- Many roads have been cleared and connecting towns and cities. However some road have suffered very heavy damage as some bridges. As a matter of interest the Road #10 that goes from Arecibo to Utuado is open. A final note. If you have relatives that you have not been able to call, be patient. The call will come in eventually. But in some areas the damage to the telephone infrastructure is almost 100%. And in order to call your relatives would have to go to a nearby town AND find a working phone. And I'm sure that you would not want them to be out on the road wasting time and gas rather than using the time to help with the cleaning or get the houses back in working order. So my advice is to wait, take it easy and if you REALLY want to help, you can send some money to the fund that the Catholic Church has set up to distribute to the local parishes to: Obispado de San Juan PO Box 1967 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00903-1967 Telephone 787-727-7373 They have the advantage to be able to reach ALL the island and know where the real needs are. It should be noted that these funds will be distributed among ALL the people who have need regardless of faith, religion, believe of affiliation. Take care. And God bless you all. Jorge L. Belendez Belendez@caribe.net
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 12:13:03 EDT From: Nellieskt@aol.com Subject: News about Utuado! To those who haven't heard from people in the town of Utuado, the good news is that there are NO CASUALTIES!! We have received this information from my brother in Utuado who was able to go to Arecibo to phone, as well as other relatives in Arecibo who have been to Utuado and told us of the conditions. Supposedly, the damage has been incredible. The area of La Playita was completely flooded and possibly destroyed. The Puente de Archilla was swept away together with some of the adjacent buildings. Urb. Cabrera got flooded again. N. Kolb's house had 3 1/2 feet of water! The wall surrounding San Jose was breached somewhere by the force of the Vivi, Rio Grande and quebrada Arenas and flooded San Jose. The "Batidora" was destroyed. Severe damage to agriculture and infrastructure. Some flooding in Perez Matos, Sra Gela Alvarez had to be rescued from her home. Great portion of La Curva de Lucas Vives was washed away by the Rio Vivi. They say most of the damage was done by winds 110-125 mph. We hope everything is OK with all your relatives in PR. Best wishes, Cuchin Kolb (de Spring)
Earlier reports have been moved to this webpage.
| Back to Caribbean Hurricane Page | Hurricane Guide | QHWRL | More 1998 Season | 1997 Season | 1996 Season |