Puerto Rico may not get power for another 6 months — here's a look at the hurricane's devastating effects

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September 30, 2017 6:52 PM

Hurricanes Irma and Maria have had devastating effects on Puerto Rico. Here's a look at what life has been like on the island.

Puerto Rico is still suffering from the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria that left 3.5 million people without power.

Hurricane Irma, which hit Puerto Rico earlier this month, left one million Puerto Ricans without power. The island was still recovering from the storm's aftermath when Hurricane Maria hit, crippling the entire island's electrical infrastructure.

Here's what you need to know:

Puerto Rico's electrical infrastructure was in need of repairs and upgrades before the hurricanes hit. PREPA, the island's electric company, hasn't had the funds to modernize the grid. Puerto Rico also lacks the number of workers required to make the repairs.

Source: Vox

That means rebuilding the island's electrical infrastructure will be an even longer process. San Juan Mayor Carmen Cruz says it could take up to 6 months to revive the electric grid.

Satellite night images show the extent of the damage. Hurricane Maria knocked out 80% of the island's transmission lines, leaving most of the island in darkness.

Satellite night images of #... @ NOAA Satellites

Puerto Rico is now relying on gas and diesel generators to keep the lights on.

Residents have lined up at gas stations for fuel.

Here you see trucks loaded with gasoline at Puma Energy petrochemical facility on Friday.

Cars have lined up for miles to fill up on gas while it's in supply.

First hand responders say the issue isn't so much that fuel is short supply, but that there aren't enough trucks to distribute it to everyone who needs it. Diesel is first being delivered to hospitals and government buildings to keep their generators going.

Cruz says the federal government needs to ramp up relief efforts to better distribute necessities like fuel and water. President Donald Trump criticized Cruz's comments on Saturday, stating that 10,000 workers are on the island doing a "fantastic job."

It will take time for Puerto Rico to fully rebuild. You can aid victims by donating to charities that are providing relief on the ground.

Here are a list of charities that are helping victims in Puerto Rico.

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