Long Islanders plan Hurricane Fiona disaster relief efforts

Many Long Islanders are asking how they can help Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Fiona’s destructive path across the island – leaving it without power and with severe damages.

News 12 Staff

Sep 19, 2022, 11:36 AM

Updated 804 days ago

Share:

Many Long Islanders are asking how they can help Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Fiona’s destructive path across the island – leaving it without power and with severe damages.
News 12’s Andrew Ehinger spoke with people with deep ties to Puerto Rico. They said the aftermath of the storm has them harkening back to Hurricane Maria, which left the island devastated five years ago.
“We're hoping this time that it will be a little easier,” said Roy Pelaez, who has cousins in Puerto Rico.
Jose Gonzlez, of the group Jibaritos With Troops in Bay Shore, is already coordinating emergency shipments of aid from Long Island.
“They say its underwater completely,” he said. “The south area is bad, bad, bad.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday morning that she spoke to the governor of Puerto Rico and has pledged the Empire State’s full support and help in the island’s recovery.
At Puerto Rico's request, she's sending 100 Spanish-speaking state troopers to the island to help with law enforcement. Hochul says other aid is en route.
“We will be there for the long-term recovery,” she said.
Jibaritos With Troops has posted a list of needed items people can donate that will be shipped down to Puerto Rico. It will be holding a supply drive this Saturday.