First of all folks, I am a bit worried. I mean as the hurricane Irma’s gone past the Caribbean recently and according to the weather channel. So I got an email that Governor of Puerto Rico. To be clear not personally but I mean on my press side. From Ricardo Rosselló. He’s the Governor of Puerto Rico. For he asked the public to be aware. I mean and most importantly of the trajectory of Hurricane Irma. Right now I mean: heads up!
Trajectory
For I have heard we are talking a Category 5 hurricane folks. For it’s a system that I know will be passing through the Puerto Rico area. When and where I am not exactly sure. However and so I heard around noon this Wednesday.
Again this is due to the hurricane warning issued from the National Weather Service. Therefore issued for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Moreover and strategically before the passage of Hurricane Irma. For that’s why the governor is requesting President Donald Trump to declare a state of emergency. All for the Island and also prior to the disaster.
Moreover the decision was made following a meeting this morning. For it included John Rabin Acting Region Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Administration Region II (FEMA) and FEMA Caribbean Area Division Director, Alejandro De La Campa .
As the Governor said publicly:
“This is the biggest storm we’ve seen in a century. We’re going to see a lot of damage. We’re going to have to rebuild. But right now let’s focus on saving lives.” I got that from TV NBC 4 in New York. It was also om the 11:00 pm news!
Therefore, the director of the National Meteorological Service (SNM, per its Spanish acronym), Roberto García, reported. He stated that the island will experience tropical storm winds. In addition, between four and eight inches of rain.
In addition, when I checked the TV, NBC4 said it should make landfall over Puerto Rico; bisecting the island as a Category 5 storm.
However, forecasts could vary. Because, Category 1 hurricane winds could be experienced. Especially on the North and East coasts. So that’s including the islands of Culebra and Vieques.
Given this, the Puerto Rico State Agency for Emergency and Disaster Management (AEMEAD, per its Spanish acronym) is tasked with coordinating the work. All of the interagency group is monitoring the trajectory of the tropical system.
In addition, the director of AEMEAD, Abner Gómez, informed that the phone line 787 724-0124 will be available. All to provide information. Especially related to the shelters and orientation. All due to the passage of the atmospheric system.
The governor informed that as part of the contingency preparations. So the secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Family Affairs, Glorimar Andújar, advanced payment of the Nutrition Assistance Program. It’s PAN, per its Spanich acronym. All to 160 thousand beneficiaries. Thereby totaling for a total of $65 million.
In addition, 5.4 million pounds of contingency food was identified for this population and its distribution. All as a result which is authorized by the federal government.
In addition, the Puerto Rico Housing secretary, Fernando Gil, reported that there are 456 shelters prepared. I mean through the entire island with capacity for 62,100 people. Moreover the list of shelters was updated. Especially after the closure of some schools.
Emergency Plan
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), Ricardo Ramos, said that the main transmission lines have been inspected. I mean or “patrolled”. In addition, that the trimming of trees in critical areas is being worked on.
Moreover, Ramos said that “the Emergency Plan is activated. Finally and all operational areas will report to work tomorrow.”
The secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA, per its Spanish acronym), Tania Vázquez, activated the flood control plan. For I mean, all in the different pumping stations.
Attendance at Event
During the meeting today was the third public event for this group. I mean since the formation of the atmospheric system. So present were:
- The secretary of State, Luis Rivera Marín
- Also, the chief of staff, William Villafañe
- The secretary of Public Affairs and Public Policy, Ramón Rosario.
- The secretary of the Department of Public Safety, Héctor Pesquera
- The superintendent of the Police, Michelle Hernández
- The deputy director of the Port Authority, Nelson Pérez
- FEMA Caribbean Area Division Director, Alejandro De La Campa,
Alcohol Ban
In addition, I had learned that the Governor signed an Executive Order to activate a temporary alcohol ban. I have learned it’s effective from Wednesday morning at 6:00 a.m.
In conclusion and at the moment, the Puerto Rico Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO, per its Spanish acronym) has made 183 visits to establishments. Those establishments I heard were to verify compliance with the order.
So to verify compliance they dispensed 22 notices of infraction to 22 establishments. For that’s mostly gas stations. Thereby totalling 16. Finally and for various regulatory infractions. As well as two related to the orders of profit and prices. I mean um that’s gouging folks: common!
First of All! Everyone please be safe! I am thinking of you and praying. I wish I could control this; yet I cannot. So please I tell you stay safe!!
Source: PUERTO RICO FEDERAL AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION, OFFICE OF COMMUNICATION, (September 3, 2017 – Caguas), (September 5, 2017 – San Juan) Fortalenza.pr.gov
