In Brief
The people of Puerto Rico still face “an unprecedented level of need” because of hurricanes Irma and Maria, which devastated the island in September, the chairmen of two US bishops’ committees said. Bishop Frank Dewane of Venice, Florida, and Archbishop Paul Etienne of Anchorage, Alaska called for “meaningful action” through legislative means and emergency funds to address “both the immediate and long-term needs of the Puerto Rican population”.
Irma hit Puerto Rico September 7 and Maria hit September 20, creating even more destruction than the first hurricane. To date, more than 70 percent of Puerto Rico is without electricity and running water. Other islands, including the US Virgin Islands, are also facing challenges in their recovery.