Home Christian News Puerto Ricans Need Prayer, Aid After Worst Earthquake in a Century

Puerto Ricans Need Prayer, Aid After Worst Earthquake in a Century

Right now, the priest says, the focus is on providing psychological and emotional support. “What we fear is that we continue having these earthquakes,” he adds. “If we have bigger ones, the damage is going to be very, very, very bad.”

In a statement, Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, tells Puerto Ricans, “The church in the United States stands with you” in prayer.

Relief Efforts Are Underway

The United Church of Christ (UCC) is among the Protestant denominations gathering aid for Puerto Ricans. The Rev. Angel Luis Rivera-Agosto, a UCC Global Ministries executive, has been in contact with partner organizations to assess needs throughout the island. He describes reports of blocked roads and damaged buildings, including a church and parsonage. “As the island continues trembling,” says Rivera-Augusto, “it is important to continue praying in solidarity with the people of Puerto Rico at this moment. Matters can change over the upcoming days.”

The Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, a co-executive with UCC Global Ministries, is overseeing first-response funding for items such as hygiene kits. “Our siblings in Puerto Rico are dear to our hearts,” she says. “UCC Disaster Ministries will…assist as we can in this early stage and be prepared to be present for the work of long-term recovery.”

FEMA, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, says it is considering Puerto Rico’s request for emergency aid. The agency, which has only an acting head, has been criticized (along with HUD) for its handling of hurricane-relief efforts on the bankrupt island. Although Congress set aside $42 billion for hurricane-recovery efforts in the territory, just $14 billion has been spent so far.

The U.S. Democratic presidential candidates are addressing the need for swift response in Puerto Rico—and criticizing past failures there. “Puerto Rico has been through too much already,” Andrew Yang tweeted. “We should forgive their debt, make them a state and rebuild in earnest.”

Initial estimates of damage from the earthquakes are in excess of $100 million. But analyst Chuck Watson says Puerto Rico could face more than $3 billion in losses from these recent disasters. That takes into account damaged private and public property, as well as lost wages, business, and tourism. Unprepared damage from Hurricane Maria also might compound the structural weakness caused by the temblors, Watson notes.

Join us in praying for Puerto Ricans as they face yet more challenges. Monetary donations can be made through denominational relief arms, the American Red Cross, and charities such as World Central Kitchen, led by chef José Andrés.