Statements From Other Bronx Elected Officials on the Report on Death Toll in Puerto Rico

STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA STATEMENT ON NEW STUDY 

ON PUERTO RICO'S DEATH TOLL AFTER HURRICANE MARIA

  We are eight months into recovery efforts for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. We are also days from the official start of the hurricane season, yet we still do not have clear information as to how many lives were claimed by the storm or the federal government's irresponsible and disgraceful response to the disaster. Today, a new study conducted by a group of independent researchers from Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health estimated that roughly 4,600 Puerto Ricans died as a result of Hurricane Maria and the lack of medical care that was provided or available to residents of the island after the storm. These numbers are horrendous and shameful, but not surprising given the federal government's inadequate and borderline criminal response to the storm and Trump's disgraceful characterization of the situation on the ground when he visited the island after the storm. Puerto Ricans are still lacking adequate access to electricity, shelter, running water, infrastructure, medical assistance, and food. We must continue to demand that the federal and local governments adequately respond to this ongoing humanitarian crisis and assume their responsibility to the people on the island. I stand committed to continue working to advocate and bring resources to the island and Puerto Ricans.

REP. ADRIANO ESPAILLAT STATEMENT ON THE DEATH TOLL IN PUERTO RICO FOLLOWING NEW REPORT

  Congressman Adriano Espaillat released the following statement on a new report conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine indicating the death toll in Puerto Rico has reached nearly 5,000 in the wake of Hurricane Maria. 

“Today’s report and study conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine indicates the death toll in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria is nearly 5,000 and almost 70 times higher than initially reported. Nine months after the storm, the American citizens of Puerto Rico continue to face a major crisis mired in devastation and heartbreaking realities,” Rep. Adriano Espaillat. 

“Puerto Rico is among one of President Trump’s most significant failures since taking office and the way this crisis has been handled by the administration is simply outrageous. Thousands of residents remain without adequate resources or assistance and only half of the population have reliable electricity and water. The island’s medical and health systems were disrupted and medical supplies remain scarce. Additionally, FEMA has denied nearly 50% of the applications submitted by housing victims in need of grant assistance to help them rebuild and repair their homes.

“Today’s report is about more than numbers. This is about lives, and the lives that have been lost and the lives still on the line. As the 2018 hurricane season begins, we cannot afford to turn our backs on the residents of Puerto Rico and must continue our efforts to help families rebuild following this devastating storm that has affected and continues to impact many lives,” he concluded.