Puerto Rico's governor, Pedro Pierluisi, has declared a state of emergency in response to heavy rains, widespread flooding, and landslides across the U.S. territory, ABC News reported.
The declaration comes after rainfall inundated the island, resulting in one reported missing person.
Pierluisi mobilized the National Guard on Wednesday to assist the 22 municipalities most severely affected by the relentless downpours.
Reports indicate that for over two days, Puerto Rico's interior experienced an onslaught of more than 10 inches of rain, transforming streets into rushing torrents.
The National Weather Service issued two flash flood warnings for Ponce and surrounding municipalities in south-central Puerto Rico on Wednesday.
The initial advisory encompassed Ponce, Yauco, and Coamo. The subsequent flash flood warning applied to Utuado, Adjuntas, and Jayuya, Crisis24 reported.
According to police statements released Thursday, numerous rivers have overflowed their banks, rendering several roads impassable. In the town of San Sebastián in the northwest, an unidentified person was swept away by a river. Additionally, multiple people found themselves stranded by rising waters, seeking refuge on rooftops until rescue operations could safely retrieve them.
The flooding has damaged agricultural areas across the island, decimating crops vital to local communities.
Authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage and provide essential assistance to affected neighborhoods.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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