NEW YORK — Hurricane Fiona has pummeled Puerto Rico, an island whose infrastructure struggled to recover from the devastating Hurricane Maria that killed almost 3,000 people in 2017.
Fiona left many without electricity and water, including Pedro Julio Serrano, a resident and human rights activist.Some Puerto Ricans who spoke with ABC News are frustrated with the lack of progress in reconstructing the island so residents no longer have to worry about having running water, electricity, and safe roads, buildings and more.
Puerto Rico's electric system has long been unstable, even before Hurricane Maria devastated the island. As a result, blackouts have been a regular part of life for many residents for the last five years, according to island residents. LUMA, as well as the Puerto Rican Governor Pedro Pierluisi, did not respond to ABC News' request for comment.
Burgos López recalled the long, but recent history of government officials who have been embroiled in corruption scandals. "We know that without Fiona, we were not having light. So with Fiona, we were going to be monthslong without light," Burgos López told ABC News.