Aid on Way as Rains Damage Homes, Crops
Puerto Rico’s governor declared a state of emergency after three days of rain set off floods that swept away bridges, damaged hundreds of homes and forced more than 250 people into shelters. No one was reported seriously injured.
Gov. Sila Calderon made available $5 million from the U.S. territory’s emergency fund to help flood victims and farmers who lost coffee, bananas and other crops.
The American Red Cross estimated that the flooding damaged at least 270 homes. Four bridges had collapsed and 33 sections of highway were closed, while damage to crops was estimated at $17 million, Puerto Rican officials said. Since Wednesday, 18 to 20 inches of rain has fallen.
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