Joe Biden Promises Massive Aid for Devastated Puerto Rico: ‘They Haven’t Been Taken Very Good Care Of’

By Rick Martin Oct 03 2022, 21:05 PM EDT

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have arrived in Puerto Rico to survey the damage of Hurricane Fiona and help out in humanitarian efforts for people struggling in the wake of a powerful hurricane.

Tens of thousands on the island still do not have electricity, with the official number of fatalities on the island standing at 25, according to Politico.

In a speech to local officials, Biden said that "Puerto Ricans are a strong people." He added that they had to "bear so much, and more than need be, and you haven't gotten the help in a timely way."

The Bidens also spent some time with Puerto Rican families and told them, "America is with you." He also acknowledged that "they haven't been taken very good care of."

Puerto Rico's Hurricane Fiona Relief Will Be a Test of the Biden Administration

Puerto Rico may not be a state, but it is still a U.S. territory. However, the island still has a much higher poverty rate than any U.S. state. It also remains vulnerable to storms which are becoming even more powerful thanks to the effects of climate change.

Biden promised that they will rebuild it all. However, with the conditions of the island, that remains easier said than done, with the post-Fiona recovery posing a challenge to the administration.

Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi, the highest authority on the island, told the president that even though Fiona came in as a Category 1 hurricane, it brought in water like a Category 4.

So far, Puerto Rico has restored power to 90% of its 1.47 million customers. However, the Associated Press pointed out that over 137,000 others, who mostly live in hard-hit western and southern regions, are still without electricity. Another 66,000 people have no access to water.

Joe Biden Promises $60 Million Funding to Guard Against Future Storms

Last year, Biden signed a bipartisan infrastructure law to help Puerto Rico defend against incoming storms. During his visit, the president outlined that plan. It will shore up levees, strengthen flood walls and create a new flood warning system so the island. This will help residents and the government to become more prepared for future storms.

According to The Hill, Biden wanted to emphasize his administration's commitment to helping Puerto Rico rebuild. However, he has been juggling two disasters at the same time, as he has also been monitoring the damage by Hurricane Ian to Florida and South Carolina. He said that despite his attention also being on those two states, the administration remains "focused on recovery efforts in Puerto Rico as well."

The president also said last week that the recovery efforts in those three areas will stay as long as it takes.

Politico noted Biden's response was in sharp contrast to Hurricane Maria. While Biden came in with a more somber tone, Trump came to Puerto Rico and feuded with then-San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz, who had been frustrated and critical of the then-president's response to Hurricane Maria. He also had that little incident of throwing paper towels at the crowd.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Biden announces $60 million for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Fiona - CBS News