« Older Newer »

April 11, 2018

The New York Times: A Bittersweet Journey Back to Puerto Rico After Maria

Five months after Hurricane Maria led them to flee Puerto Rico for New York, Enrique and Emma López returned recently to their home in Aguadilla, a small beach side town on the northwest corner of the island. (Photo: Christopher Gregory)

The New York Times published an article by Luis Ferré-Sadurní that follows Enrique and Emma López’s journey back to their home in Puerto Rico five months after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. Their story highlights the difficulties families are facing when loved ones return to their homes while others stay in the mainland US. Adult children worry about how their elderly parents will fare with so much of Puerto Rico’s infrastructure still in disarray. However, for Enrique and Emma, Puerto Rico is home, and they have been away too long.

As Enrique put it before leaving the hotel for the last time, “I’m in heaven here, but I’m going back to paradise.”

The full report can be read by clicking the image below or on The New York Times website.

Soon after Hurricane Maria’s devastating passage through Puerto Rico, RMF sent a team to conduct a needs assessment, bring some initial medical supplies, and form local connections. Drawing upon RMF’s emergency health programs and lessons learned in various countries, our response in Puerto Rico includes the implementation of transitional and temporary health posts, such as mobile clinic and outreach services that will seek to provide lifesaving interventions. We are supporting the operations of 5 health clinics. We also plan to support the Vega Alta Clinic by providing medications and human resources; this clinic will act as a hub for medical outreach activities. Read more about our initiative on our Hurricane Maria Relief page.

View & Print PDF