HARTFORD, Conn. — As Hurricane Fiona continues to flood the streets of Puerto Rico, back here in Connecticut areas with large Puerto Rican populations, people are working on ways to help their families on the island.
"The first thing when I open my eyes, my first thought was Puerto Rico and my family to call," said Maria Martinez, an administrative assistant at San Juan Center.
Martínez is here in Connecticut, but her heart is in Puerto Rico and she’s waiting to hear from family still on the island.
RELATED: Connecticut residents keep a close eye on Puerto Rico as Hurricane Fiona batters the Caribbean
"The main roads are destroyed completely, all the roads are flooded. I consider for myself that this is worse than Hurricane Maria because this one is rain.”
Right now Martinez is focused on helping out through the San Juan Center.
With a large Puerto Rician population in the Capitol City. They’re preparing for families that may evacuate and come here.
"Part of our mission is to help to relieve their struggles as much as we can," said Martinez.
The same way they helped over 100 families find housing after Hurricane Maria five years ago, but the ways they can help now are limited.
"Transportation is an issue when the roads are destroyed, completely wide open, it’s going to take us a few days to make a decision on how were working in that area," said Martinez.
That also means it's difficult to send donations.
Something Alina Gutierrez is also experiencing.
"We need to figure out what’s going to be the need to talk to government over there and mayors and families," said Alina Gutierrez, who has family on the island. "I’m definitely going to do something that’s for sure.'
But for now, it's a waiting game.
"They’re just nervous," said Gutierrez.
While plans are in the works in Connecticut and on a federal level, President Biden has approved an emergency declaration so FEMA funds can be used for disaster relief on the island.
Lindsey Kane is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at Lkane@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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