Washington.- The former president of the United States, Barack Obama, urged Americans today to support the recovery of Puerto Rico after the earthquakes this month, which have caused damage to hundreds of structures and keep thousands in the open.
“Our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico can use our support after the earthquakes (last week). They have demonstrated their resilient spirit in recent years, and it is up to us to unite once more. I hope they support their recovery, ”Obama posted on Twitter.
Members of Congress have asked the federal government to accelerate the Puerto Rico declaration as a disaster zone so that its residents and governments can have access to new assistance to mitigate disasters.
When she presented the request to the White House on Saturday to declare Puerto Rico a disaster zone, Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced said that preliminary earthquakes in recent days, particularly those on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday, caused preliminary damages that reach $ 110 million and damaged 539 structures.
With the presidential statement, the process opens for citizens to request federal assistance, which may include funds to help repair their homes, and temporary housing.
On Saturday, Governor Vázquez Garced began using the $ 260 million fund released by the Fiscal Oversight Board (JSF) that controls the public financial decisions of the Island, by allocating $ 2 million to the municipalities of Guánica, Guayanilla, Peñuelas, Ponce, Utuado and Yauco.
Vázquez Garced has indicated that he also examines using the $ 260 million fund to advance direct aid to hundreds of victims who have been sleeping outdoors or under tents for almost a week. “It’s something we are already evaluating … Without a doubt,” said Vázquez Garced.
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