Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the American Red Cross is working around the clock with government officials and disaster partners to help the hundreds of thousands of people on both island territories who are suffering right now. 

Thousands of homes are destroyed or suffered major damage. People are living without power and water. Cell service is out, making it difficult for to connect with loved ones. Only one hospital is fully operational, with dozens more partially so. The storm also destroyed bridges and roads, making it difficult to get help to some areas. It could be months until power is restored with 80 percent of overhead transmission lines damaged. Fuel is available, but conditions make it almost impossible to distribute it.Officials estimate that emergency shelters and food support will be needed by a large portion of the population in both territories for weeks. 

The Red Cross has mobilized relief supplies to support our response efforts on the islands. This includes: 20,000 comfort kits; 6,000 blankets; 5,000 cleanup kits; 8,000 tarps; and thousands of flashlights, batteries, dust masks, and hand sanitizer. In addition, the Red Cross has sent in generators, laptops, satellite phones and radios to help our volunteers communicate and coordinate response efforts.On Puerto Rico, nearly 400 Red Cross workers are helping to reconnect families and distribute critical relief supplies, including food and water. 

Please donate or start a fundraising page to help the American Red Cross during their Hurricane Maria relief efforts.