Dann Cuellar in Puerto Rico: People from the mainland arrive to offer much-needed help

Sunday, October 1, 2017
Dann Cuellar reports on the ongoing humanitarian effort in Puerto Rico on Action News at 11 p.m., September 30, 2017
Dann Cuellar reports on the ongoing humanitarian effort in Puerto Rico on Action News at 11 p.m., September 30, 2017

There are growing concerns about a humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico.

There is difficulty in trying to distribute supplies, particularly to rural areas, because of damaged or debris-clogged roads. Food and water supplies are dwindling.

With the island's electrical power grid in shambles, virtually everyone remains without electricity, according to the governor.

Officials estimate it could take months before power is fully restored.

The people of Puerto Rico need all of the help they can get; it's why they applauded when first responders for New York and New Jersey arrived this weekend.

But first responders weren't the only ones answering the call to help. Some good Samaritans from the mainland arrived on their own to bring some much needed supplies.

Susan Sarrett of Virginia Beach, Virginia was joined by her daughter who even with a broken leg was out on the mission, along with their good friend Kathy O'Hara.

"We gathered supplies from our community. We put out a blast on Facebook. Her school did a drive. We got free tubs from Home Depot. We brought over 600 pounds of what the three of us could carry. We delivered it to the staff of United to deliver to their communities yesterday," Sarrett said.

But they are far from done.

"Monday morning, four of us are flying back down. We already have reservations. We're bringing 12 more giant totes of a list that the staff gave me of what they need," Sarrett said.

"We need to be telling people that they as individuals can do something. Let's stop watching the news and all the doom and gloom of things not happening - well, get up and do something about it," O'Hara said.

It's amazing story of good-hearted people risking their own lives, spending their own time, trying to help the people of Puerto Rico.

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