Hurricane Maria
Puerto Rico Changed The Hurricane Maria Death Toll From 64 To Nearly 3,000 People
Researchers also found residents weren’t adequately prepared and that doctors were confused about how to classify the dead.
Puerto Rico Has Finally Acknowledged That Over 1,400 People Likely Died Because Of Hurricane Maria
The US territory's government has for months kept the official death toll at 64, despite plenty of evidence to the contrary.
FEMA Admits Its Response To Hurricane Maria In Puerto Rico Was Inadequate
A new report describes a lack of knowledge in the days following the storm about hospitals and water treatment plants, as well as shortages of emergency supplies.
"It's All Gone To Hell": Puerto Rico's Power Authority Just Lost Two CEOs In One Week
Meanwhile, the power grid is still vulnerable as the island faces down another hurricane season.
The Bodies Of Thousands Of Potential Hurricane Victims Have Been Burned In Puerto Rico
Identifying deaths related to Hurricane Maria could provide families with access to FEMA funeral funds and could also change what insurance benefits a family gets.
By The Time Trump Showed Up, Over 550 People More Than Usual Had Died In Puerto Rico After The Hurricane
Two weeks after the storm, Trump boasted that the official death count in Puerto Rico was 16 people.
A Judge Ordered Puerto Rico To Release Hurricane Death Toll Information
The order comes just days after the government released a new report showing a steep increase in the number of fatalities shortly after Hurricane Maria.
His Grandmother And Brother Died After Hurricane Maria. He Wants Them To Count.
Carlos Rodriguez Rosa's grandmother called him as the storm approached. "'The sky is purple and I’m scared. But my heart is content and I love you and I’ll see you soon.' And that’s the last thing she ever said to me," he told BuzzFeed News.
Puerto Rico Now Says There Was A Sharp Increase In Deaths Right After Hurricane Maria
The new information comes as the Puerto Rican government is under pressure to be more transparent and is facing lawsuits.
Puerto Rico's Health Department Is Being Sued To Release Its Data On Deaths Following Hurricane Maria
The Puerto Rico Statistics Institute said that accurate information is desperately needed as hurricane season begins again.
A New Hurricane Season Is Starting In Puerto Rico. Thousands Are Still Living Without Electricity.
The Puerto Rican government said it would have power back up and running before June. That hasn't happened.
A New Study Says Nearly 6,000 Died In Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria. The Government Still Says 64 People Died.
“Our results indicate that the official death count of 64 is a substantial underestimate of the true burden of mortality after Hurricane Maria.”
Puerto Ricans Who Survived The Hurricane Face A New Challenge: Finding An Affordable Apartment in New York City
Families who came to the mainland US after Hurricane Maria say Puerto Rico is still in bad shape. Those in New York City are facing confusing government bureaucracy.
The US Army Corps Will No Longer Be Allowed To Work On Puerto Rico's Storm-Ravaged Power Grid
Puerto Rican leaders had asked FEMA to let the Army Corps of Engineers stay on to keep repairing the island's infrastructure ahead of the new hurricane season.
NYU Took In Students From Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria. Now It's Sending Them Home — But They're Not Ready To Go.
Students are worried about returning to power outages and economic uncertainty in Puerto Rico, but NYU has so far denied their request to stay.
Here's What Puerto Rico Looks Like Six Months After Hurricane Maria
Six months after Hurricane Maria ravaged the Caribbean in September 2017, the island of Puerto Rico is still struggling to rebuild.
The First Lady Of Puerto Rico Gave Some Mayors Still Waiting For Electricity A Candle As A Gift
Beatriz Rosselló later apologized.
The Hurricane Hit Puerto Rico’s Paradise Of Hotels And Resorts Hard — And Workers Are Facing An Uncertain Future
Many tourist havens, like Vieques and Fajardo, are still in need of stable cell phone service and electricity. And people who made a living in hospitality jobs are facing months of being out of work.
Puerto Ricans Want Trump To Tell The Truth About The Hurricane Recovery In His State Of The Union
“I would like him to stop talking about things the way he sees them, and to talk about them the way they really are instead.”
Here’s What One Day In The Dysfunction Of Restoring Puerto Rico’s Electricity Looks Like
A local lawmaker was sure a temporary fix would restore power to 10,000 people in Arecibo this weekend. They’re still in darkness.
FEMA Abruptly Cuts Housing Funds For Dozens Of Puerto Rican Families
“This cold-hearted and irrational decision will have disastrous consequences for these families from Puerto Rico."
Watch Students At This Puerto Rican School Celebrate The Power Coming Back On After 112 Days
"To see this reaction from students, it was amazing, but also kind of heartbreaking."
Puerto Ricans Who Moved To New York After Hurricane Maria Are Living In A State Of Uncertainty
Thousands of the island's displaced residents are waiting and watching as recovery efforts progress slowly back home.
Chief Of Puerto Rico's Electric Utility Resigns As Island Struggles To Recover From Hurricane Maria
Ricardo Ramos stepped down as head of utility on Friday amid criticism for ongoing blackouts and a large, now-canceled reconstruction contract with a tiny Montana company.
Puerto Rican Officials Just Got Grilled By Congress Over The Whitefish Electricity Contract
Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló and power authority chief Ricardo Ramos testified before a skeptical Congress on Tuesday.
Millions Of Puerto Ricans Just Lost Power Again After A Line Repaired By Whitefish Energy Failed
Officials confirmed more than 80% of Puerto Rico was once again in the dark Thursday after the failure of a major power line.
Puerto Rico’s Government Admits The Death Rate Rose After Maria, But Still Won’t Say It Was A Result Of The Hurricane
The average daily number of deaths in September increased sharply during and after Hurricane Maria, but officials still won't connect it to the storm.
FEMA Plans To Fly Thousands Of Puerto Ricans Out Of Shelters And Into New York And Florida
The airlifts will be offered first to some 3,000 people still in shelters more than a month after Hurricane Maria, a FEMA spokesperson said.
Sen. Claire McCaskill Wants Answers On How The Whitefish Contract To Fix Puerto Rico's Power Grid Fell Apart
In letters to the Army Corps, FEMA, and Whitefish on Thursday, the top-ranking Democrat on the Governmental Affairs Committee asked how public funds were used in the controversial Whitefish contract.
Puerto Rico’s Governor Seems To Indicate An Investigation Is Happening Into Hurricane-Related Deaths
He also criticized the Army Corps of Engineers for what he said were slow efforts to get the power grid up and running.
Puerto Rico Just Canceled Whitefish Energy's Contract To Rebuild The Electrical Grid
The Puerto Rican power authority terminated its $300 million deal with the small Montana firm amid questions — and pending investigations — over how the contract was awarded.
Puerto Rico's Government Just Admitted 911 People Died After The Hurricane — Of "Natural Causes"
The 911 bodies were never physically examined by a medical examiner to determine if they should be included in the official death toll.
Puerto Rico Is Burning Its Dead, And We May Never Know How Many People The Hurricane Really Killed
People whose bodies are cremated are largely not being counted in the official death toll. The government says it’s the fault of funeral directors, while funeral directors say they’ve received no guidance from the government.
Trump Rates His Response To The Puerto Rico Hurricane A 10/10
Fewer than one in five people in the US territory have electricity, one-third of residents have no drinking water, and more than one in 10 people still have no cell service.
These Photos Show How Residents Are Coping In Puerto Rico Nearly One Month After Maria
With aid slow to reach many towns in the nearly 30 days since Hurricane Maria made landfall, the island's residents are working together to get by.
He Was Shot And Left Paralyzed, Then Two Hurricanes Came: One Man's Awful Year
“I just want this year to be over with."
Desperate Puerto Ricans Are Said To Be Drinking Water From Potentially Toxic Superfund Sites
Environmental officials are pleading with Puerto Ricans not to drink from the wells, warning they could be dangerous to people's health.
Here's How Bethenny Frankel Made An "Underground Army" To Help Puerto Rico
"We could all talk about it and beat each other up and blame each other, or you could pick up a broom and clean."
The Puerto Rican City Where Trump Tossed Paper Towels At People Still Has No Electricity And Little Drinking Water
“He went to see one home that practically didn’t have any damage."
Funeral Homes In Puerto Rico Say They Have a Lot More Dead People Than The Government Has Counted
The government says it’s conducting a certified count of the dead after Hurricane Maria, currently at 36. Funeral home directors told BuzzFeed News they have dozens more bodies.
Soccer Practices For Teens Are Slowly Restarting In Puerto Rico — Though Many Young Players Haven't Turned Up
"We're worried about those that have yet to come back, hoping that they are okay."
Lin-Manuel Miranda Has Released A New Song And Music Video For Puerto Rico Relief
"Almost Like Praying" features the Hamilton creator and other major artists in a song that benefits the Hispanic Federation and its disaster relief efforts.
These Are Some Of The Forgotten Villages Of Puerto Rico, Where Food Is A 90-Minute Walk Away
“I want them to take us into account. That people live here,” one woman said of her town, which, despite statements of President Trump and state officials, is desperate.
These Students Say They Want To Leave The US Virgin Islands For Safer Schools
Students on the US Virgin Islands had just barely started school when two hurricanes roared through. Worried about their education, they're looking to come to the states.
Trump Feels His Trip To Puerto Rico Went Great. But What Happens Next Will Define Him.
President Trump surveyed the island's damage via helicopter and spoke to friendly residents. But the federal response will be measured by how the island ultimately recovers, not photo ops.
After Two Hurricanes, The US Virgin Islands Are Overwhelmed By Mountains Of Trash
Towers of debris have piled up around the US Virgin Islands, posing health and environmental safety hazards as officials struggle to find a way to remove the trash.
The Puerto Rico Trump Didn’t See: People Drinking From Springs, Storing Medicine In Cold Water, Living In Darkness
President Trump praised the government’s response during a visit to the San Juan area on Tuesday. But miles outside the city, conditions remain dire: “You’re left like you arrived in this world, with nothing.”
Trump Wants To Wipe Out Puerto Rico's Massive Debt To Help It Recover
One day later, however, the White House budget director the administration plans to only ask Congress for Puerto Rico disaster aid, not a bailout.
Trump Threw Rolls Of Paper Towels Into A Group Of People In Puerto Rico And People Had Some Things To Say
"Trump: 'Let them eat paper towels!'"
Trump Says The Hurricane That Crushed Puerto Rico Wasn't A "Real Catastrophe" Like Katrina
"Sixteen people versus in the thousands."
People On The US Virgin Islands Say It's A "Disgrace" Trump Isn't Visiting
"But can he at least bring me a generator," joked one resident, who still can't get into her house due to extensive water damage.
Hurricane Victims Are Helping Each Other Survive As Government Struggles To Respond To The Disaster
Here's what a pastor, an Olympic boxer, a Jewish man from New York, and fried chicken all have in common.
People In Puerto Rico Remind Trump They Don't Even Have Electricity To See His Tweets About Them
"People don’t even have power, my reception is going on and off so I barely can read news. What fake news are you talking about?"
Adrian Lost His Home During Maria. He's Back At Work And Hoping For The Best.
“We don’t have control over this, this could happen to anyone… I would say that [people] have to stay together, put apart their differences and help each other."
Here's What's Really Happening In Puerto Rico, Despite What Trump Is Saying
The president spent the day attacking his critics and saying Puerto Ricans "want everything to be done for them." Only 5% of people on the island have power, and couldn't see his messages anyway.
US Virgin Islands Governor Wants Cruise Ships Back In Two Weeks. Hundreds Are Still Homeless.
Thousands of people in the US Virgin Islands are still without steady power, food, or water, but the governor wants to get cruise lines back by Oct. 15 to help restore the territory's strapped economy.
Live Updates: Giant Balloons Launched To Bring Cell Phone Service To Devastated Puerto Rico
The monster storm has devastated Puerto Rico and it could be months before basic services are restored. Check back on this post for the latest on the powerful hurricane.
This Is What It's Like For Thousands Trying To Find Food And Water In The Hurricane-Hit US Virgin Islands
"I feel we were given false hope," one resident said as she waited hours in line for food. "You hear that it's going to get better, but today I still had to struggle to be able to feed my kids."
Trump Attacks Puerto Rico Mayor After She Begs For Help
Trump used Twitter on Saturday to unleash on the mayor of San Juan, who had criticized FEMA's efforts.
These Puerto Ricans Are Returning Home To Find Family Members And Help Them Recover From Maria
It was an emotional moment for many to see the destruction below as they flew back home. "None of us in my family have heard from my dad," one US Army sergeant said.
Puerto Rico's Local Mayors Are The Front Line Of Relief Efforts As They Wait For The Government
“We don't have potable water or food. There are landslides still occurring."
This Is What It’s Like For People Trying To Get Health Care On The Devastated US Virgin Islands
“People either survive or they don't in these situations.”
Volunteer Advises Callers Where To Turn To Find Loved Ones, Then He Uses The Number Himself
Jose Gosende has fielded dozens of calls from Puerto Ricans on the mainland looking for news of their families on the island. He can identify.
US Government Questions Reports That Tons Of Supplies Are Reportedly Sitting In A Puerto Rico Port
Damaged roads and trucks, no fuel, and no drivers has left supplies waiting in the San Juan port. The federal government denies there is a problem.
Nearly 1.5 Million People Don't Have Drinking Water In Puerto Rico After Maria
The head of FEMA said the devastation on the island was at a scale the US had not seen "in a very, very long time, if ever."
Puerto Ricans Worry: Which Trump Will Show Up For The Devastated Island?
Trump likes to deliver the resources of the federal government during disasters, waiving FEMA cost-sharing Tuesday, but he's shown signs of a "territory mindset" that concerns island advocates.
Scientists Are Trying To Rescue 1,500 Monkeys In Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico's Cayo Santiago, home to 1,500 research monkeys, was hit hard by Hurricane Maria. Scientists are trying help staff wiped out by the storm to resupply the island.
These Puerto Rican Celebrities Are Stepping Up After Hurricane Maria
"It is now time for all Americans to be front and center in helping to bring awareness and solutions to the task of rebuilding Puerto Rico" —Jennifer Lopez
Congress May Not Act On Funding For Hurricane Damage In Puerto Rico Until Mid-October
Some members of Congress, especially those from regions with large Puerto Rican populations, are making a big push to get relief for the island in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Staff say that Congress isn’t likely to act until the administration requests more money, which is expected in mid-October.
The White House Says Trump Is Handling Puerto Rico — Even Though He's Not Tweeting About It
Since Saturday morning, the president has tweeted or retweeted some 17 posts about the sports world or athletes kneeling. He hasn't tweeted about the humanitarian disaster in Puerto Rico since Wednesday.
People Are Still Stranded At Puerto Rico's Largest Airport With No Air Conditioning And Little Food
The airport still doesn't have air conditioning and people are stranded waiting for flights out of San Juan.
Lin-Manuel Miranda Is Raising Funds For Puerto Rico
Officials have said parts of the devastated island, home to 3.5 million people, could be without power and phone service for months.
With Power Out And Cell Service Down, Puerto Ricans Work To Connect Each Other In Maria's Wake
"Nobody could find their relatives — but more than food and water, what people craved the most was for that little rectangle to work."
Here's How You Can Help People Affected By Hurricane Maria
Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and other Caribbean islands were devastated by the storm. Relief agencies are seeking donations, as well as food, water, and medical supplies.
Landfills In Puerto Rico And The Virgin Islands Are Already An Environmental Mess. Hurricanes Just Made These Failing Piles Of Garbage Worse.
Massive landfills on Caribbean islands were already poisoning the nearby soil. Hurricanes Maria and Irma likely just made them worse, experts say.
Here's What The Neighborhood From The "Despacito" Video Looks Like After Hurricane Maria
Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee have called on fans to donate to help Puerto Rico after the devastating storm.
25 Devastating Photos From Hurricane Maria's Impact On Puerto Rico
Hurricane Maria unleashed widespread devastation and power outages after making landfall Wednesday as the strongest hurricane to strike Puerto Rico in more than 80 years.
Live Updates: Puerto Rican Official Defends Federal Government's Disaster Response
This live post has now closed. Please follow this new story for continuing updates on Hurricane Maria.
Hurricane Maria Batters Dominica, Making Landfall As A "Potentially Catastrophic" Category 5 Storm
The storm, which rapidly strengthened on Monday, is expected to charge through the Caribbean this week, pummeling islands already devastated by Hurricane Irma.
The British Virgin Islands Are Trying To Recover From A Hurricane – And Another Is Approaching
"It's worse than Afghanistan," said one military officer struggling to deal with a humanitarian crisis on the British territory as another hurricane approaches.
