Violent downpours hit Puerto Rico. According to data from the meteorological service, more than 400 liters of rain per square meter fell from the end of April. The area around the city of Utado was cut off from the world by pouring rivers, and in the neighboring Adjuntas landslides blocked roads.
Intensive downpours hit the Caribbean island for the first time at the end of April. The data of the National Meteorological Service (SNM) in San Juan shows that from April 27 to May 4, 170 to 400 liters of rain per square meter fell on the island, the most in the central part of Puerto Rico.
Difficulties for residents
Mountain regions of the island were in the worst situation, where there were numerous instant floods and landslides. The level of the Jauca River rose around the city of Utado. The swollen waves damaged the bridge leading to several villages. Although the residents managed to organize a walking crossing, no cars can cross the river.
– We leave our cars on the other side and return home on foot – said one of the residents.
In the neighboring city of Adjuntas, several landslides came down, which blocked roads to neighboring communities. People living in the above areas said that the damaged road prevents the elderly and physically disabled people from moving.
From Monday, there is a state of emergency in 10 cities in central and western Puerto Rico due to the effects of rain. Meteorologists have warned that a moist and unstable aura could stay in the coming days and appealed to the residents to track weather messages.
Prens Latina, Claridad Puerto Rico
Source of the main photo: Enex