Photo. Ricardo Arduengo. Getty Images.
This drone photo, featured as photo of the week by several publications, represents some of the hurricane devastation to the island of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory whose name translates as “rich port”.
Just a few suggestions of ways to help…
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/can-help-hurricane-victims-puerto-rico/
vanbytheriver 
Thanks for sharing the link, Van. The devastation there is terrible and the images of destruction and suffering are heartbreaking.
It is often hard to know how to help, D. They are going to be in trouble for a very long time. Thanks.
Thanks Van. Up until I read your post, I realize I’ve been in a fog about helping out. That is, it hasn’t crossed my mind that I need to step up. I’m ashamed to admit it, but there you are.
We are hearing messages from our government that there is a “good news story” here. The folks in PR are calling it a “people are dying” story. Thanks, Maggie.
I appreciate you sharing this, Van. It’s all so heartbreaking. Hugs.
There are so many photos that show the devastation, Teagan, but this one garnered much attention. It is heartbreaking, and folks are conflicted about giving to charities. But, we need to do something. Thanks.
Gosh, van, that’s hard to comprehend. Thanks for sharing the link.
It is mind-boggling, Laura. Just the thought of no power, no food, water, medicine. There are container trucks with supplies sitting in port, but no truck drivers with fuel to get to them.
Thank you Van. I cannot imagine how some of these islands will manage to recover.
It will be a gargantuan task, Brigid. It looks very much like a war zone, and so many islands there rely on tourism. One positive..I read that cruise ships are heading there with supplies.
I hope much more follows…
So do I.
…and we complain about a bit of rain. Thanks Van.
Imagine going months without electricity, running water, the basics….like a home/shelter, with a roof.
It seems incredible that it can be allowed to happen anywhere in our wealthy world…
It’s heartbreaking to see how these storms have devastated the Caribbean. Thank you so much for sharing this link, Van.
There are more images coming out each day, Tonya. It is an eye-opener. My pleasure to share the link.
Thank you for the information. I want to do something.
I felt the same, C. There has to be a way to help.
I pulled up the list. I just am not sure which one to do. I won’t do it until I’m home on Sunday and can research a little more. But your list really helped.
It’s always a personal choice, but from this list, I am partial to Americares and UNICEF, mostly for the % that goes to direct help, lower admin costs. Thanks, Colleen.
Those are the things I would look for. Thank you Van.
Thanks for the link! So devastating
Most welcome, Lynn. And, yes.
My mom grew up in Puerto Rico and we have family there. She called me up to see if we can go out there…but I told her we will. Hopefully during Thanksgiving. It’s not a pretty picture there. Thanks Van for sharing.
To have family there…I understand your urge to get there, Bernice. Hopefully, things will be a bit better by T’giving. Sharing this was important to me, glad to do it.
Nature still has the greatest power! Prayers and Love to all the people in Puerto Rico – the victims and the helpers. 💖
That power…we are constantly reminded lately. Thanks, Erika.
Yes, a lot lately.
I feel badly for them.
The struggle is real, J. And the islands make the logistics so much more complicated.
Yes they do, but I have to say I can’t understand how hard it is to unload stuff, I think they just didn’t plan and lack control. They should have people hand unloading stuff as soon as those cargo ships landed. Hell before ports they’d unload stuff by small boat…
It does make you wonder how many dropped the ball, or just didn’t anticipate the problems, even with transportation. The environmental and infrastructure issues will be tough, but getting food, water and meds where they are needed, it’s just basic. Thanks for weighing in…
Thank you Van for bringing it home and into our homes. This is where we can help!
Happy to share. I don’t think it was getting enough attention in the early days after the storm. Thanks, Val. We can help.
A natural disaster turned tragedy — that should have been helped much sooner
That’s the truth of it, Elyse, but already, there are so many excuses, and such contrast to the response to the other 2 recent storms.
I can’t even imagine what is happening to all those affected by these hurricanes, on our mainland and the islands. For some, their way of life is gone. That’s hard for someone to put their arms around.
The national media has moved away from Harvey and Irma, I wonder how the recovery is going there ? And yes, so hard to imagine their new “normal”. Thanks, George.
Great reminder, Van, of how we can help.
I hope it helps, in any small way, Mark. Thanks.
It is so heartbreaking to see this kind of devastation and yes I know how desperately people are in need of help. Unfortunately, too many charities have been caught cheating and stealing and we who want to help are very hesitant to do so or we honestly don’t know who to trust any more. How sad that the very ones set up to help those in disaster areas had to get greedy and get their sticky fingers in the pot. This image is heart stopping.
Thank you for the link, Van.
Of course, hope it helps with the charity decision, Amy. I guess I trust the folks at PBS more than most.
I agree with the skepticism about so many charities, it has created doubt and is just one more step in making us feel powerless to help. New and more shocking images arrive daily, Amy. Thanks.
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Thank you for the re-blog.
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Thanks, Traci, for helping to spread the word.
Heartbreaking and disheartening how it’s all been handled. 😦
So very true, Deb. Hope it will get better soon.
❤
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So very tragic. Thanks for sharing the link and bringing more awareness to this area.
My pleasure, Miriam. Thanks for reading.
Thank you dear Van for highlighting how we can help.. And the link is very useful.. I give support monthly to two charities, the RedCross and Save the Children.. But always chip in what I can to major disaster events..
It is heart rendering to see, and how many are without homes, food water etc… Basics which we take for granted..
Love to you xx
Sometimes, we feel helpless when disaster strikes. This was a small effort on my part, Sue, but I was happy to provide the info. Thanks.
Yes we do feel helpless, The world is more focused upon Political events rather than natural catastrophes.. ❤ Have a peaceful week Van..
I’ve been in disbelief over our PreSidEnt’s tweets to PR, complaining that they are costing too much, telling them not to whine and that we have to pull out.
Just one in a long series, D. Thanks. I’m not sure how long we have to survive this guy.
Tragic comedy.
thanks for this -= I have been praying for PR and northern Cal …
this was a very good post
Most welcome, Y.
😊
The devastation in the island is massive & is Heartbreaking to see our island like this.
I agree. Hope things are getting better for them.
After long weeks without electricity, finally today it came back in Vega Alta, Thanks Vanbytheriver!