According to the US Geological Society, more than 1,280 earthquakes have hit Puerto Rico’s southern region since December 28th, with more than two dozen of them magnitude 4.5 or higher (source).
A week ago the island was awoken abruptly by a magnitude 6.4 earthquake which knocked out power around the island, cut off water to a majority of the island, and toppled homes, bridges, schools, and mountain sides in Guanica, Yauco, and surrounding towns. Thousands of people in this southern region were forced to seek shelter elsewhere as their homes were destroyed or deemed too dangerous to sleep in. This past Saturday morning, as I was getting ready to head out for a surf, the island shook again when a magnitude 5.9 quake struck just outside of Ponce, toppling more homes and buildings, sending more people to seek out safer shelter, and sending everyone’s nervous system into a frazzled state of anxiousness and fear.
Now, here in Rincon, we have been very lucky.
Yes we have felt the stronger quakes, but unlike the people in the south, we are only feeling a fraction of the shaking. To my knowledge, no where in Rincon has suffered any damage, and from what I hear, everyone around the Rincon area has gotten power and water restored. Other than that, it’s kind of been life as usual around here. A little more quiet than normal, but businesses are open, the waves have been fun, and the beaches have been busy. I feel fortunate to feel safe in my home, to be sleeping in my own bed, and to be able to move through a fairly normal daily routine.
Our brothers and sisters to the south did not get so lucky.
After Saturday’s earthquake I definitely noticed my nervous system feeling a bit fried - anxious and stressed from all the shaking… But the people down south?? I can’t even begin to comprehend how they are feeling… The stress, anxiety, fear, unknown… They literally went from one morning, sleeping peacefully in their beds, to their entire lives being shaken up and flipped upside down. Many are homeless, and many with homes still standing don’t feel safe sleeping in them. People are sleeping outside: babies, kids, elderly, pregnant women, injured people, sick people… And not only is there damage to homes and buildings and nature, but also the mental and emotional trauma… Hurricane Maria was only 2 years ago.
But like post-Hurricane Maria, the people of Puerto Rico most definitely do not sit around and wait for help to come.
Because if they did, they’d be waiting forever as the island STILL hasn’t seen most of the federal funding that was allocated to the island’s recovery post-Maria (source). Instead, the people of Puerto Rico have come together in solidarity and support for those who have been the most affected. This past Sunday, photos surfaced on social media (see the gallery below) of all the caravans and trucks heading south to deliver supplies, cook meals, and offer support. This island is resilient and strong, and it’s because of the overwhelming sense of the community that is present here. It’s really beautiful and incredibly moving. No soy Boricua, pero yo amo esta isla. And it’s because of the strength of this community.
As the earth continues to tremble, I’ve actually felt a few shakes as I sit here and type this, the road to recovery for the people and towns affected is going to be a long one. And I’m not entirely sure how the media is portraying this disaster to the States, but it deserves attention and these people cannot be forgotten. Yes, it is safe to travel to Puerto Rico and Rincon, but the people in the south of the island have been experiencing trauma after trauma and will need a lot of support and assistance to get back up on their feet.
We are all taking things one day at a time, and everyday we hear more details about what sectors need assistance and what is needed most in each town. If you’d like to contribute to the recovery efforts - whether it’s money, supplies, your time, or your energy - here are a few reputable organizations that I can recommend. If you’re coming to visit Rincon, and would like a local contact for relief efforts, please send me an email and I will get you in touch with a few friends.
Suministros Puerto Rico
Supplies for Puerto Rico - This website (it is in Spanish) is a great community resource for management and distribution, as well as a way to identify and communicate what sectors are in need and what supplies are needed. There are also contacts for certain sectors.
Brigada Solidaria del Oeste
The Solidarity Brigade of the West is a self-managed community initiative formed after Hurricane Maria. Since the start of the earthquakes, this group has been out in the streets providing communications and necessary supplies as well as emotional support to communities in need. Check out their Facebook or make a PayPal donation here.
World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen was active throughout Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria and have set up their kitchens once again to feed the displaced families from the recent earthquakes. Their website has more info about where they are set up and how you can donate or get involved.
Rincon Fitness Center
The Rincon Fitness Center/Cross Fit Rincon community has been collected and distributing supplies and donations to Guanica and surrounding towns since the M6.4 earthquake last week and continue their efforts. If you’re local, you can drop off supplies at the Rincon Fitness Center in the Edward’s Shopping Center. If you’re off island, you can send donations via Venmo or PayPal. Please email RFC for more info.
As I said, everyday we are learning more about what is needed, and as time goes on I’m sure those needs will change. I will do my best to keep spreading the word about what’s going on. Please share in the comments any other groups, organizations, or references that may be helpful. Thank you and blessings to all.
Let this be a reminder that life is short and things could change in an instant. Hug your loved ones a little tighter and be grateful for everything you have. The only way to overcome the challenges that life throws us is through community and support.
