I've been staying on top of the damage caused to Puerto Rico. And it is apocalyptic. It could take anywhere from another 4 months to 6 months minimum before most of the electric, water, and infrastructure are near normal again.
- Maria knocked out 90% of the cell phone towers. They have to find a way to get gasoline (HARD!) and pray they can access the few areas where a cell phone tower wasn't damaged. In those areas, there are cars lined up for miles along the road as they are all trying to get cell coverage to make calls.
- 80% of the power lines are knocked down and they were never "modernized" so it can take up to 4-6 months before power is restored to most of the island.
- No electricity means no power to pump water into homes and no water to bathe or flush toilets. As of September 30, only 45% of Puerto Ricans have access to clean, potable water in their homes. That can take about 6 months or more to get clean water restored to most of the islanders.
- Gasoline is scarce and it can take up to a day of waiting in line to buy fuel. Most credit card machines don't work so cash is KING. Puerto Ricans are DESPERATE for gasoline since it's like a lifeblood to them. They need it to power generators for light and for their cars to get work or cell phone towers, etc.
- There is one main highway that goes around the island with 2 minor routes connecting it to other areas. There are several spots that were made impassible (12 areas at last count) by the hurricane so getting around the island is almost impossible.
- Medical care?? Most hospitals are running on generators and they are quite low now, it can take hours to 3 days to get a prescription filled, and people are still dying from medical issues caused by injuries, lack of air conditioning, fresh water, food, etc. The death toll is expected to top out in the several hundred range.
To recap, there is no communication, no power, gas is scarce, infrastructure is non-existent and less than half have clean water. Factor in a bumbling government and you'll see why apocalyptic is the right word.
I pray for a quicker recovery for those in Puerto Rico.