The Nightmare In Puerto Rico Is Just Beginning

Arecibo Observatory, Arecibo, Puerto Rico

It was very difficult for me to watch TV as Irma, Jose and Maria flattened much of what they touched.

Two problems. First, I’d rather get my hurricane data raw, not digested by someone like (gulp) me. Second, I know how this story ends.

You probably don’t look at them too often, but most meteorologists have at least a passing acquaintance with the typhoons and cyclones that rage in other parts of the world. Poor people don’t have the mobility to get out of the way nor the infrastructure to quickly recover. We see it all the time.

Gross Domestic Product per capita, USA vs PR

Yes, Puerto Rico is part of the United States, but a very poor and often neglected part. We’re already hearing about suffering and disease. It will only get worse.

It’s going to be difficult to move supplies and personnel beyond the cities for a long time. I’m surprised I’ve haven’t seen or heard more about helicopters. Much that’s needed will have to be airdropped.

Be prepared. This tragedy is just beginning to play out.

4 thoughts on “The Nightmare In Puerto Rico Is Just Beginning”

  1. Hi Geoff, I have been hearing about what is going on in Puerto Rico and am trying to figure out who to trust so that I can donate some money. Not much because I do not have much myself, but I would like to help! Can you tell me where to donate and I will try to get in touch with them! Thanks Geoff!

  2. I was thinking the same thing. I feel like even know these are U.S. territories they really are closer to third world countries. Structures, utilities, municipalities, businesses and way of living seem so dated and poor, they appear ripe for bad outcomes like this. I pray for them, wish them the best and hope this will bring improvement there over time.

  3. I was thinking that there has to be a better way to get to the people on the island, let’s not forget about all the little islands such as
    St. Thomas, Martinique, St. Kitts to
    Mention a few. The helicopter airdrops as you mention shouldn’t be a question it should have been place in action first thing, as well as the search and rescue teams etc. I fear for the islanders as you said the worst is yet to come… The question is how do we help as a nation to prevent this from happening. We have many generous people out there helping by donating supplies as well as money. What’s the next step? time is precoius and we must act now! We should have a better plan for storms like this repeat of Katrina but much worst!!! You think our government would have a better plan… let’s put our thinking caps on and think before we act this will prevent wasteful supplies sitting at dock s while people are starving, dehydrated sick, waiting on medications… can’t find trucks or drivers bring the on ships let them clear the island then bring supplies!!! God please watch over our nation. Amen

  4. Thank-you for reporting this information – this has got to be a wake-up call for all of us to know what we need to do with our environments – albeit here on mainland or anywhere else. We’re not prepared to deal with these tragedies NOR will we as long as the thinking out there continues as it has for past years. You present a very good point about airlifting – why hasn’t out government implemented it yet?

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