The Caribbean Islands have been destroyed by Hurricane Irma, with many of its residents displaced. However, most of the storm missed Puerto Rico. Puerto Ricans breathed a sigh of relief at being spared for the most part and decided to pay it forward to their Caribbean neighbors. They started donating water, clothing, first aid, and other necessary supplies. Many private boat owners stepped up as well to sail too close islands and help evacuate residents who had recently found themselves homeless.
On Sunday morning four boats made the trip across the Caribbean to St. Thomas to bring back residents to shelter. On a 54-foot dive boat named Tobias taking 46 residents back to Puerto Rico, the largest boat on the island.
The residents believe that because of their good fortune they must do everything to help. There have also been missions led by the government to evacuate people from the islands back to Puerto Rico. There have been about 1200 people that have been rescued so far from Saint Martin and Saint Thomas, among them 50 people who have been airlifted to hospitals to be cared for.
While aircraft rescues have primarily been government run, the boats helpers and rescues have primarily been civilian led. They are drawn to help their Caribbean neighbors because of everything they share with them. Puerto Ricans refer to the British and American Virgin Islands as “las Islas” and often boat to the borders of the islands for the beautiful beaches and fishing competitions. Marita Rivera who has visited the islands for many years said that she’s enjoyed the beauty and fun of the islands that she feels she wants to help them to demonstrate their gratitude for everything the islands have given them. Her husband Roger and she are running one of the pop-up donation centers. They’ve received everything from diapers and shirts to nails and hammers.
The storm has knocked out power and phone service leaving its residents unable to communicate with the outside world. Julie Reynolds who came to Puerto Rico from the islands after the storm hit says she didn’t think people knew how bad the storm would be until after it happened. Her husband’s business was completely destroyed in just a matter of hours. Many people’s entire livelihoods were destroyed, and in the aftermath of the storms, there were looters everywhere, so much so that the British Military had to set a curfew for the residents.
The aftermath of Hurricane Irma has been devastating for the Caribbean, but it’s amazing to see how those less affected have stepped up as volunteers to help their fellow islanders. Hopefully, with the help of their fellow islanders and government, the Caribbean Islands will recover faster than they otherwise would.
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Source: New York Times
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