NJ native speaks from Puerto Rico as several earthquakes rock island

Arlene Mendez, who lives in Vega Baja, says she felt the impact from a quake that struck Saturday on the island’s southern coast.

News 12 Staff

Jan 12, 2020, 3:32 AM

Updated 1,575 days ago

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A New Jersey native living in Puerto Rico spoke with News 12 Saturday amid aftershocks from a 6.4-magnitude earthquake earlier this week.
Arlene Mendez, who lives in Vega Baja, says she felt the impact from a quake that struck Saturday on the island’s southern coast. There were no reports of any deaths or injuries, but the governor says nearly 600 buildings were affected.
The quake, which initially had been calculated at magnitude 6.0, was the strongest shake since a magnitude 6.4 quake - the most potent to hit the island in a century - struck before dawn on Tuesday, knocking out power across Puerto Rico and leaving many without water.
More than 4,000 people are in shelters, many fearful of returning to their homes, and others unable to because of extensive damage.
Mendez says she learned how to handle natural disasters after Hurricane Maria. She says they have been experiencing tremors since Tuesday and wears a hard hat at work.
She hopes to have her power restored by the end of the weekend. She says she is grateful for all of those reaching out to help during such a difficult time.
Anyone interested in sending donations to Puerto Rico can do so in Perth Amboy this weekend.
AP Wire Services were used in this report. 
 
 


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