ADRA Is Providing Ongoing Aid After Puerto Rico Earthquakes
José Alberto Rodríguez (center, in black shirt), president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Puerto Rico, talks with ADRA workers and volunteers assisting residents affected by an ongoing series of earthquakes and aftershocks in the southwestern part of the island. [Photo: ADRA Puerto Rico]
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), in partnership with Seventh-day Adventist church leaders in Puerto Rico, has been spearheading relief efforts in Guayanilla, Sabana Grande, Yauco, Ponce, Barrio Guaypao, Bo La Luna, and Jagua Pasto, after a series of earthquakes struck the southwestern part of the island from late December 2019 into early 2020.
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake on January 15, 2020, was the latest to hit Puerto Rico. The largest and most damaging was a 6.4 magnitude quake on January 7, causing extensive damage and power outages.
ADRA volunteers and local church leaders responded immediately, providing meals around the clock to feed hundreds of people and installing tents for those who lost their homes. Some reports indicate that houses rebuilt after the devastation of Hurricane Irma and Maria in 2017 were decimated once more by the recent quakes.
Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) workers and volunteers set up tents to help provide shelter to many in Puerto Rico displaced by the series of earthquakes in early 2020 in the southwestern part of the island. [Photo: ADRA Puerto Rico]
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), more than 1,280 earthquakes have rattled the island’s southern region since December 28. The latest earthquake occurred near Guanica, where seismologists in southern Puerto Rico are trying to discover answers behind the frequent and unusual shaking.
Government officials say the earthquakes destroyed hundreds of homes and caused an estimated US$200 million in damage. Almost 8,000 people have sought shelter.
“ADRA has forged relationships with United Airlines, Airlink, Latter-day Saints Charities, and the Adventist Community Services to offer needed items to those most affected,” Sebastian said.
Through partnerships with government and nongovernment organizations, ADRA is providing hot meals and other assistance to residents of Puerto Rico affected by a series of earthquakes that rocked the island in December 2019 and January 2020. [Photo: ADRA Puerto Rico]
“We are calling for everyone to serve, and this is the moment to do it,” Sebastian said. “You might not be able to be in Puerto Rico to help, but your support is still very much needed. ADRA counts on you to help.”