'Everything went dark': LI doctor recalls powerful Puerto Rico earthquakes

Puerto Rico has experienced hundreds of earthquakes since December. Tuesday's quake killed one person, hurt several others and left thousands in shelters or sleeping on sidewalks.

News 12 Staff

Jan 10, 2020, 8:17 PM

Updated 1,573 days ago

Share:

A series of powerful earthquakes left nearly a million people in Puerto Rico without power Tuesday.
Dr. Nicolas Hernandez, who works at Plainview Hospital, says he was visiting family on the island when he felt his house shake.
"Our bed was shaking like you see in the movies," Hernandez says. "Things were moving--luckily nothing fell. We did lose power at that point. Everything went dark. We went downstairs and used our cellphone to kind of turn on the lights and see what we could get."
The Long Island doctor says he was 86 miles from the earthquake's epicenter, which registered a 6.4 on the Richter scale.
Puerto Rico has experienced hundreds of earthquakes since December. Tuesday's quake killed one person, hurt several others and left thousands in shelters or sleeping on sidewalks.
Hernandez says his brother-in-law slept in a tent outside of the house.
Power is still out for most of the island as lawmakers and business owners on Long Island are trying to help.
Suffolk Legislator Samuel Gonzalez, of Brentwood, has collected thousands of bottles of water to send to Puerto Rico to help those who need it.
Jose Gonzalez, owner of NY Auto Detailing and Paint in Bay Shore, is in Puerto Rico handing out water and toys to children.
Samuel Gonzalez is holding a donation drive Sunday at his office on Second Avenue in Brentwood.
 


More from News 12
10:39
Pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at Stony Brook University

Pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at Stony Brook University

1:47
Sun and warm temps through end of workweek, rain possible this weekend

Sun and warm temps through end of workweek, rain possible this weekend

0:25
Suffolk police: Plane lands safely on Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai

Suffolk police: Plane lands safely on Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai

1:37
Public hearing held on Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital's filing for additional parking

Public hearing held on Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital's filing for additional parking

1:21
DEC: 2 additional 'anomalies' found under baseball field at Bethpage Community Park

DEC: 2 additional 'anomalies' found under baseball field at Bethpage Community Park

2:05
'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

0:13
School officials: Cyberattack causes internet, phone outage at Mineola Public Schools

School officials: Cyberattack causes internet, phone outage at Mineola Public Schools

1:51
Students like food, not prices, from food trucks brought in by NCC following dining services closure

Students like food, not prices, from food trucks brought in by NCC following dining services closure

0:32
Prosecutors: Shirley woman sold misbranded, adulterated weight loss drugs on TikTok

Prosecutors: Shirley woman sold misbranded, adulterated weight loss drugs on TikTok

0:26
Mets partner with Smithtown nonprofit to raise future service dog for veteran or first responder

Mets partner with Smithtown nonprofit to raise future service dog for veteran or first responder

0:24
Man, woman wanted for stealing wallet in Huntington Station

Man, woman wanted for stealing wallet in Huntington Station

0:27
MTA approves plan to discount monthly LIRR tickets for NYC, excludes Long Island

MTA approves plan to discount monthly LIRR tickets for NYC, excludes Long Island

1:46
What's Cooking: Steak Taco

What's Cooking: Steak Taco

2:57
Garden Guide: Food you can grow anywhere

Garden Guide: Food you can grow anywhere

Guide: Mental health resources available in the tri-state

Guide: Mental health resources available in the tri-state

2:01
US Preventative Services Task Force updates guidance for women to start getting mammograms at age 40

US Preventative Services Task Force updates guidance for women to start getting mammograms at age 40

0:33
Family: Floral Park teen struck by dirt bike in Albany in critical condition

Family: Floral Park teen struck by dirt bike in Albany in critical condition

0:53
USDA report: Long Island Game Farm giraffe was malnourished before death

USDA report: Long Island Game Farm giraffe was malnourished before death

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:27
Town of Hempstead IDA holds hearing on Hillcrest of Floral Park apartments

Town of Hempstead IDA holds hearing on Hillcrest of Floral Park apartments