Puerto Ricans who survived Hurricane Maria seven years ago and now live in Florida are not only dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, but also the emotional trauma of being reminded of one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history. Many of them, like Cecilia Rosa De Leon, are taking precautions and preparing for the worst, based on their experiences during Maria.
De Leon was in Puerto Rico during Hurricane Maria, where her family’s home was flooded, and some of her neighbors did not survive. The aftermath of Maria was devastating, with nearly 3,000 deaths in Puerto Rico and a long blackout that led to delayed medical care.
Now, facing Hurricane Milton, many Puerto Ricans in Florida are once again feeling the fear and uncertainty that comes with a powerful storm. Shailier Figueroa, who left Puerto Rico after Maria, has been stocking up on supplies since August in preparation for hurricane season. Jesús Eduardo Aponte Feliciano, who was a teenager during Maria, is now facing his first hurricane as an adult in Florida and is determined to be prepared for any storm that comes his way.
The memories of Maria have changed the way these survivors approach hurricanes and natural disasters, with a newfound respect for the power of these storms and the importance of being prepared. Despite the challenges they face, these resilient individuals are determined to rebuild their lives and stay strong in the face of adversity.
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