Around half of Puerto Ricans—more than 1.5 million people—remain without power 100 days since Hurricane Maria hit the island, according to official figures released Friday.
In
the first official figures released by the Puerto Rican government
since the storm made landfall in September, officials reported that one
of the island's 78 municipalities remains totally without power. Gov.
Ricardo Rosselló had promised in October to restore 95 percent of power
by December 15, while the Army Corps of Engineers estimated power would
be totally restored by May.
Anger continues to grow as residents
continue to struggle with closed schools and businesses and increased
health risks. Authorities are grappling with challenges updating and
restoring the aged grid and potentially introducing new renewable power.
Downtown Ponce, Puerto Rico on Dec. 27. The landmark Castillo Serrallés,
obscure in the background, is usually well lit and easily seen,
especially during this time of year. Michi and Juan / Flickr
