Hurricane Ernesto strikes Puerto Rico and leaves more than 600,000 without electricity.

The storm Ernesto has made a strong impact in Puerto Rico, becoming a Category 1 hurricane and wreaking havoc on the Caribbean island. The immediate impact of the storm resulted in torrential rains that left over 600,000 customers without electricity, plunging the population into a crisis that evokes memories of past disasters. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has reported that Ernesto, with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h, is moving northeast and is expected to strengthen to Category 3 in the next 48 hours. Adverse weather conditions have led to the declaration of an emergency in Puerto Rico, approved by President Joe Biden. This measure aims to facilitate federal support for the island's recovery, a vital step amid an increasingly complicated situation. The fear of flooding is palpable, especially in the eastern areas, where rainfall has reached up to 243 mm in just 24 hours. These figures are alarming and reflect Ernesto's destructive potential. The situation is particularly critical in the northeast of the island, where the Canóvanas River has overflowed its banks due to the intense rains. This overflow presents a high risk of additional flooding, which could further exacerbate the already difficult situation for residents. The population is on alert, fearing that the storm will bring not only more rain but also memories of past events that have left indelible marks on the island. Power outages in Puerto Rico have been a recurring phenomenon since Hurricane María struck in 2017, devastating the electrical grid. The situation repeated itself in 2022 with Hurricane Fiona, which left 80% of the island's homes and businesses without electricity for an entire month. The fragility of the electrical infrastructure is a constant concern, and after Hurricane Fiona, the U.S. Congress approved $1 billion for the modernization and stabilization of the grid. However, the results of these investments are still uncertain. Joseph Niskar, a lawyer who moved to Puerto Rico after Hurricane María, shared his concerns about the impending storm. Worried about potential water and electricity cuts, he is preparing for a long period of deprivation. His experience on the island since the impact of María has taught him that preparation is key. Many Puerto Ricans find themselves in a similar situation, recalling what they lived through during previous hurricanes and the challenges they faced in rebuilding their lives. The impact of Ernesto is not limited to material damage; it also emotionally affects the population. Storms have left deep marks on the memories of those who have lived on the island, where fear and uncertainty intertwine with the hope that government responses and recovery efforts will be effective. The resilience of Puerto Ricans is being tested once again. Meanwhile, meteorologists continue to monitor Ernesto's trajectory, which is heading north in the Atlantic Ocean and could affect Bermuda in the coming days. Authorities are urging the population to stay informed and prepare for possible evacuations and service outages. Time is of the essence, and the community must be ready to act quickly. In this context of chaos and natural disasters, solidarity among Puerto Ricans is more crucial than ever. Community organizations and support groups are working hard to provide assistance to those who need it most. Supply, food, and water drives are being organized, and shelters are being established for those forced to leave their homes. As storm Ernesto continues its advance, Puerto Rico's future hangs by a thread. The combination of climatic factors and the island's structural vulnerability highlights the need for a comprehensive and sustained response to address not only this storm but also the challenges posed by climate change and inadequate infrastructure. The voice of the Puerto Rican community must be heard, and their resilience supported as they face the fury of nature once again.