Disaster Response in Puerto Rico
“This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your promise gives me life.”
—Psalm 119:50 ESV
This week, Hurricane Fiona caused flooding and power outages in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. Flooding has reached historic levels with even more rain to come. Water service has been cut off for two-thirds of the island’s residents—more than 2.1 million people.
During any disaster, clean, safe water is critical. It helps prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses, which are especially deadly to young children. Water Mission is responding by sending a team to the region. We will evaluate the safe water, sanitation, and hygiene needs of those impacted by the disaster and discern how to serve our global neighbors best.
With more than 20 years of experience responding to natural disasters and humanitarian crises, Water Mission has an extensive background in providing immediate and long-term safe water solutions. We responded after Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico in 2017—the most destructive storm to hit the island in more than 80 years. It devastated safe water, power, and health care services. Support from generous friends enabled Water Mission to respond to immediate needs and help communities rebuild, often with better equipment than they had before. Many of the solutions we built in 2017 remain operational today.
In Puerto Rico, as with each disaster response, our team will reassure those dealing with overwhelming loss that God is with them.
Please pray for the people of Puerto Rico and the surrounding region, and for our staff responding to this urgent situation. We also invite you to consider supporting Water Mission’s relief efforts to bring safe water to those impacted by Hurricane Fiona.
Water Mission has earned Charity Navigator’s highest rating for the past 15 years. For ongoing updates on our disaster relief efforts and our work around the world, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, or sign up for Water Mission’s emails.