Update from Caguas, Puerto Rico

Storm damage in Humacao, Puerto Rico. Photo: AP

The unraveling situation in Puerto Rico hits close to home as Meg Rosa (Amherst resident and longtime Head in the Clouds Amherst contributor and photographer) shares a most welcome update from her extended family in Puerto Rico, who they had not heard from - since Maria struck - until this weekend. Meg reports,

They can only get a cell signal in Caguas. They have cut their way out of San Lorenzo and are able to get around that way. They have water from the hospital. You can’t get in to where they are. The thing they asked for was a chainsaw. They can’t get anywhere without having to cut through downed trees. We are going to figure out how to get a chainsaw to them. Some post offices are open, we just need to figure out which one, and then figure out when that would arrive so they can try to make their way there. They have been collecting rain water and they have livestock left for food. Their house is still there, but the house my husband's parents lived in is completely gone. The other grandparents lost all the wooden portion of their house, about half the house, the bedrooms. The house where many of the uncles live has lost their roof. We still haven’t heard from my husband's mom’s sister and daughters. There is no way to get in to where they are. The trees are everywhere. Everyone is helping each other out. No violence or theft where they are. Cutting through the trees is the main focus right now. We are so grateful for that phone call!

Take a moment to drink in this beautiful, beautiful day here in New England. And, then, if you can, please take another moment to make a donation or help out the Puerto Rico relief effort in some other way.