I have regular contact with a friend in Puerto Rico. Jack Sabados is a marine biologist (shark researcher) who is helping with animal rescues since hurricane Maria. Yesterday, volunteers were planning to move sheep and horses. Animals he has helped rescue include turtles and a Mantaray.
Food and water is scarce...very scarce. Video footage this morning on Australian TV network ABC showed long queues in San Juan ( few blocks long) for fuel where residents were patiently waiting. They are only allowed to purchase $10 worth of fuel. The same is happening for access to a large bucket of water. Some island residents do have access to small flooded streams.
Food and water is scarce...very scarce. Video footage this morning on Australian TV network ABC showed long queues in San Juan ( few blocks long) for fuel where residents were patiently waiting. They are only allowed to purchase $10 worth of fuel. The same is happening for access to a large bucket of water. Some island residents do have access to small flooded streams.
Food and solar equipment (solar lighting and solar generators) appear to be the most vital need. If anyone makes contact with Jack and wishes him to pass on a brief written message to overseas relatives, (any country) I will pass it on to them via the Australian Embassy .
It was announced today that the only open port will now have access to foreign vessels for delivery of vital supplies FOR TEN DAYS.
The thing that has amazed me the most is the incredible resilience, patience and humility of a country that is suffering terrible grief... their existence has been shattered but the one thing they haven't lost is their lives and their dignity.
It was announced today that the only open port will now have access to foreign vessels for delivery of vital supplies FOR TEN DAYS.
The thing that has amazed me the most is the incredible resilience, patience and humility of a country that is suffering terrible grief... their existence has been shattered but the one thing they haven't lost is their lives and their dignity.
Deborah Quirke.
Western Australia
Western Australia
