Food rationing leads to long lines in hard-hit Puerto Rico town

Humacao, Puerto Rico (WPVI) -- In the days since Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico, residents have been spending much of their time waiting in lines. There are shortages, or fears of shortages, of everything on the island.

Reporter Amanda Ramirez from our partner Univision has been in Humacao, on the eastern edge of the island, and one of the hardest hit regions.

This supermarket was still well stocked when Ramirez visited, but owners were rationing food nonetheless, allowing customers to buy only 10 items. The reason is that new supplies have not yet made their way to this region, and the owners want to make sure that everyone can get something to feed their families.

The lines stretch out the door and people have been waiting for hours. Still, getting food is only one challenge, another will be trying to keep perishables fresh. There is no electricity in the region and very few people have generators and even those who do are struggling to get gasoline for them.

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