Latest news on puerto rico: Puerto Rico struggles to recover after hurricane razed crops

Puerto Rico struggles to recover after hurricane razed crops

By DÁNICA COTOOctober 18, 2022 GMT

YABUCOA, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Fiona destroyed $159 million worth of crops in Puerto Rico when it hit a month ago, decimating fields of plantains, bananas and other crops, the island’s agriculture minister said Tuesday.

The U.S. territory’s fragile agricultural sector is barely starting to recover from the Category 1 storm, which hit the island’s southwest region on Sept. 18 and unleashed what officials described as “historic” flooding and dozens of landslides. It also destroyed more than 90% of crops across Puerto Rico.

“A lot of us underestimated the phenomenon,” said Manuel Cidre, secretary of Puerto Rico’s Department of Economic Development and Commerce. “It was much more damaging to agriculture in the south than many people thought.”

Heavy rains smothered hundreds of acres’ worth of crops and fierce winds flattened young banana and plantain trees, which bend easily starting at a constant wind of 20 mph given the heavy bounty they produce, said agronomist Peter Vivoni, president of the Puerto Rican Agriculture Hall of Fame.

ADVERTISEMENT

Also hard hit were vegetable and coffee plantations, said Agriculture Minister Ramón González.

On a recent weekday morning in the southeastern town of Yabucoa, farmer Anastacio Silva Gómez surveyed the damage that Fiona caused, recalling how it turned land that he had fertilized a week before the storm hit into a river. He lost 20,000 young plantain trees, noting that he sells bunches at $10 each. He also lost tractors, fertilizers, pesticides and other supplies.

Hurricanes

“It was too much rain,” he said quietly. “The rain wreaked havoc.”

Silva and others like him also had been preparing land to plant more crops, but now are unable to do so given the severe financial losses, which is of great concern to many farmers.

“How are we going to lift up the agriculture sector if there are no seeds?” Vivoni said, adding that officials should launch a seed inventory in Puerto Rico.

Similar damage was reported in the neighboring southern coastal town of Maunabo, home to some 120 small farmers who grow crops including plantains, bananas, melons and sweet peppers.

Luis Monte Benjamín was growing bountiful crops on five acres of land before Fiona hit.

“Do you know what it’s like to see it on the floor after you’ve spent a year cultivating it?” he said. “The melons are what I mourn the most. What melons!”

ADVERTISEMENT

For now, he said he plans to make up for some of the losses by planting a bit of passion fruit, which he said is cheaper to grow.

The storm was the latest challenge to hit Puerto Rico’s agriculture sector, which has struggled to find workers to pick crops and prompted government officials in recent years to bring workers from Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Just days after Fiona hit, Puerto Rico’s agriculture minister announced a more than $2 million aid package for farmers, with thousands applying for help. Crews also have been inspecting farms in recent weeks, with González announcing Tuesday that banana and plantain policy payments will be issued this week.

Puerto Rico news & latest pictures from Newsweek.com

Home
>
Puerto Rico

Rosalía’s Latin Grammy win reignites “not Latina” debate

Culture

The Spanish star’s huge night at the awards show has caused backlash from many fans online who say the singer is not Latina.

By Jon Jackson On 11/18/22 at 1:20 PM EST

Hurricane Nicole caused rare sprite lightning before storm hit Florida

Tech & Science

Sprite lightning, which occurs under rare conditions about 50 miles up, was photographed from Puerto Rico as Hurricane Nicole passed by.

By Jess Thomson On 11/11/22 at 9:37 AM EST

Dead Arecibo telescope sends near-Earth asteroid warning from grave

Tech & Science

The final data report from Arecibo, which collapsed in 2020, has revealed hundreds more asteroids lurking near Earth.

By Jess Thomson On 10/31/22 at 6:34 AM EDT

Who was Tito Puente and how did he die? Google celebrates entertainer

Culture

The Doodle illustrator said, “Tito was like a Svengali for talents like Celia Cruz. He was a household name. So Tito was part of my Puerto Rican soundtrack.”

By Laura Donaldson On 10/11/22 at 5:18 AM EDT

Logan Paul slammed for accusing Bad Bunny of “tax fraud” in Puerto Rico

Culture

Paul claimed on “The Philip DeFranco Show” that Bad Bunny and his manager are exploiting Puerto Rico tax laws.

By Jamie Burton On 10/6/22 at 5:39 AM EDT

Joe Biden Mocked for Saying He Was ‘Raised in the Puerto Rican Community’

U.S.

President Biden visited Puerto Rico on Monday and pledged $60 million in disaster relief aid as the island recovers from Hurricane Fiona.

By Kaitlin Lewis On 10/3/22 at 10:39 PM EDT

Biden Says He Was ‘Politically’ Raised in Puerto Rican Community

News

“I was sort of raised in the Puerto Rican community at home politically,” Biden said during his visit to the hurricane-ravaged territory.

By Thomas Kika On 10/3/22 at 6:44 PM EDT

Hurricane News Updates: Over 100 Storm-Related Deaths Reported

News

Rescue and recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian while President Biden visits Puerto Rico weeks after Hurricane Fiona hit the island.

By Lauren Giella On 10/3/22 at 10:00 AM EDT

Big Government Hinders Puerto Rico’s Recovery

Opinion

As Puerto Ricans face another test of our resilience, it is high time for government officials—federal and local—to reassess their efficiency and effectiveness.

By Tere Nolla On 9/30/22 at 12:40 PM EDT

Where Did $13B Maria Fund Go? Puerto Rico Still Without Power After Fiona

News

Puerto Rico’s power grid remained vulnerable for years after Hurricane Maria.

By Andrew Stanton On 9/24/22 at 6:22 PM EDT

Tropical Storm Ian Path, Tracker as Florida Warned of Hurricane

U. S.

Florida could face it’s biggest hurricane since 2018 as Tropical Storm Ian rapidly gains strength, with flood warnings in place.

By James Bickerton On 9/24/22 at 12:26 PM EDT

Hurricane Fiona Traps 250 Animals in Puerto Rican Shelter for Days

News

Animals transported to Miami from Puerto Rico were expected to be examined by a veterinarian Thursday and put up for adoption soon after.

By Anna Skinner On 9/22/22 at 10:49 AM EDT

Hurricane Fiona Updates: Four Dead in Puerto Rico, Reports

World

Hurricane Fiona hit Turks and Caicos as a Category 3 storm on Tuesday after flooding and knocking out power across Puerto Rico.

By Meghan Roos On 9/20/22 at 2:37 PM EDT

Hurricane Fiona Roars Into a Category 2 Storm Packing 100 MPH Winds

U.S.

President Biden declared a state of emergency for Puerto Rico, which had an island-wide blackout Sunday.

By Scott McDonald On 9/19/22 at 7:09 PM EDT

Internet Rips Royal Funeral Coverage as Hurricane Fiona Batters Puerto Rico

World

The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II has dominated the airwaves as Puerto Rico once again struggles against a destructive hurricane.

By Thomas Kika On 9/19/22 at 1:15 PM EDT

Biden’s Response to Puerto Rico’s Hurricane Was Very Different to Trump’s

U.S.

Biden issued an emergency declaration just as the storm was due to hit, whereas Trump was criticized for his administration’s response to Hurricane Maria.

By Ewan Palmer On 9/19/22 at 12:17 PM EDT

Hurricane Fiona Path, Tracker as Category 1 Storm Moves West Toward U.S.

U.S.

“Rainfall amounts are expected to produce life-threatening flash floods and urban flooding” in the islands, the NHC stated.

By Scott McDonald On 9/19/22 at 1:06 AM EDT

Hurricane Fiona: Puerto Rico Goes Dark 5 Years After Maria Devastated Grid

U. S.

The island’s power company warned customers it may take “several days” to restore electricity as the storm persists.

By Thomas Kika On 9/18/22 at 4:47 PM EDT

Tropical Storm Fiona Barrels Toward Puerto Rico, Nears Hurricane Stature

U.S.

Puerto Rico is still trying to recover from Hurricane Maria, which devastated the island in 2017 as a Category 5 storm.

By Scott McDonald On 9/18/22 at 12:16 AM EDT

Mystery Blob-like Creature of ‘Blue Goo’ On Ocean Floor Baffles Scientists

Tech & Science

The NOAA scientists found the otherworldly blob 1,400 feet below the surface of the Caribbean Sea.

By Jess Thomson On 9/13/22 at 5:44 AM EDT

FBI Arrests Wanda Vázquez, Puerto Rico’s Ex-Governor, on Corruption Charges

News

Vázquez, her political consultant and the president of an international bank are accused of bribery related to funding her 2020 campaign.

By Fatma Khaled On 8/4/22 at 11:26 AM EDT

Ricky Martin Issues Statement After Accuser Drops Harassment Allegations

Culture

The announcement comes shortly after it was reported that the pop singer was accused of having a relationship with his nephew.

By Matthew Impelli On 7/21/22 at 12:29 PM EDT

Ricky Martin Accused of Having Relations With Nephew, Could Face 50 Years

Culture

Earlier this month, a restraining order was filed against Martin, but the singer has since denied any allegations made against him.

By Matthew Impelli On 7/15/22 at 5:55 PM EDT

Swap Texas for Puerto Rico? Campaigners React to Viral Secession Idea

U.S.

Social media users suggested Puerto Rico should replace Texas as a state after the Texas GOP called for a referendum on possible secession from the U.S.

By Khaleda Rahman On 6/22/22 at 8:39 AM EDT

Coast Guard Rescuing Migrants off Puerto Rico After 11 Die in Capsizing

News

The migrants, at least some from Haiti, were making the dangerous boat journey to the U.S. that continues to claim lives.

By Jake Thomas On 5/12/22 at 9:20 PM EDT

Puerto Rico Power Outage Update as Colossal ‘Apagon’ Blackout Hits Island

U.S.

A majority of the island’s residents were plunged into darkness after a fire erupted at a power plant.

By Khaleda Rahman On 4/7/22 at 3:09 AM EDT

Puerto Rican Rapper Ankhal Seriously Injured in Shooting While in Car

News

Ankhal was reportedly shot multiple times Tuesday night in Puerto Rico and rushed into surgery.

By Aaron McDade On 2/23/22 at 5:17 PM EST

We Must Empower a Clean Energy Revolution for Puerto Rico

Opinion

When you look at the facts, the clean energy revolution is actually accelerating in Puerto Rico.

By Kathy Roure On 2/21/22 at 7:00 AM EST

Democrats and Republicans Must Consider Puerto Rican Nationhood

Opinion

Puerto Rico’s freedom is inevitable.

By Javier A. Hernandez On 2/7/22 at 8:00 AM EST

Tired of Working Extra Jobs, Puerto Rico Teachers Protest for Better Pay

News

Videos show thousands demanding better treatment from the government, which is trying to emerge from bankruptcy after Hurricane Maria and several earthquakes.

By Lora Korpar On 2/4/22 at 2:38 PM EST

Pages

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• Next

News of the day in Russia and the world – RBC

404

Page not found

View other materials or search

“Gazprom” announced the “rupture” of the gas pipeline in the Leningrad region

The Foreign Ministry considered Poland’s refusal to let Lavrov into the OSCE meeting unprecedented

Military operation in Ukraine. Online

Sunak in Kyiv announced the supply of air defense systems to Ukraine for almost $60 million

From $26.5 billion to $1: how Sam Bankman-Fried conquered the crypto world and lost all

Who do economists bet on to win the World Cup in Qatar

Medvedev said that Zelensky does not want negotiations for “selfish” reasons0003

A woman was injured during the shelling of Belgorod Shebekino

Minsk declared no plans to “get involved in any conflicts”

The authorities decided to decouple settlements in “friendly currencies” from the dollar

Zelensky announced that Russia is looking not for peace, but for a respite0003

Belousov warned of the approaching “perfect storm” in the economy

What problems can prevent the growth of the world’s population to 9billion video

5 series for the weekend. With Ivleeva, Eisenberg and not only

What stocks do Bill Gates, Ray Dalio and other billionaires buy?0003

The anxiety illusion: how the mind makes a person worry for no reason

Go back to the main page

Khabar 24 – News of Kazakhstan and the world for today

Favorites

• Politics: The day of silence has come in Kazakhstan

• Society: Swans die on a frozen river in Astana

• In the world: Final preparations for the World Cup are being completed in Qatar

• Society: All existing loans will be closed to injured firefighters

• Society: The trial of the former head of the KNB Karim Masimov began in Astana

• Economy: Renting apartments in Kazakhstan fell by 2.

  3%

The Prosecutor General’s Office calls on Kazakhstanis to refuse to participate in illegal rallies

Control over the state debt of Kazakhstan lost – senator

The Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan adopted a law on a loan from the World Bank of €345 million

The head of state held a meeting with the public Almaty

News of Kazakhstan

All news

“>Education and science

“Kazakhstan Khalkyna” helps schools to update the material and technical base

11/19/2022, 08:49

The National Fund “Kazakhstan Khalkyna” helps Kazakh schools to update the material and technical base. This year, 17 rural educational institutions will be equipped with modern laboratory and methodological equipment, the Khabar 24 correspondent says.

“>Policy

Day of silence has come in Kazakhstan

11/19/2022, 08:00

Day of silence in Kazakhstan. On the eve of the presidential elections, any election campaigning is prohibited, Khabar 24 reports.

“>Culture

Research Foundation “Berel” opened in the National Museum

11/18/2022, 23:01

The Berel Research Foundation has opened at the National Museum of Astana, Khabar 24 reports.

“>Education and science

Founder of Borderless Consulting Group delivered a lecture to students in the capital

11/18/2022, 22:49

Information should not be lobbied for anyone’s interests, sources should be available and based on real facts.

News feed

Worldwide

All news

Environmental activists rioted at an exhibition in Milan

11/19/2022, 17:18

Eco-activists rioted at an exhibition in Milan

Four children died in an explosion in a residential building on Sakhalin

11/19/2022, 16:51

9 people, including 4 children, died in the explosion…

UNICEF published a report on the eve of World Children’s Day

11/19/2022, 2:01 pm

Children in 22 low- and middle-income countries…

The entrance of a residential building collapsed as a result of an explosion in Russia

11/19/2022, 13:25

In Russia, an explosion collapsed the entrance of a residential building. Died…

Incidents

All news

Explosion of a school boiler house in Arshaly: the victim died

11/19/2022, 03:59 PM

One of the victims of the explosion of the school boiler house in Akmola has died…

The Department of Emergency Situations commented on the explosion in the school boiler room

11/18/2022, 18:01

Three people were injured in the explosion of a school boiler in the Akmola region.…

A school boiler room exploded in the Akmola region

11/18/2022, 04:01 PM

Three people were injured in the explosion of a school boiler in the Akmola region, …

A large batch of “synthetics” was seized by the Almaty police

11/18/2022, 05:09

A large batch of synthetic drugs seized from illicit trafficking by the Almaty police,…

TV projects

All TV projects

President

Analysis of “January” and a warning to businessmen: Tokayev in Almaty | President

11/18/2022, 20:58

“Men zhastarga senemin!”, or “I believe in youth!”. Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev repeatedly voiced this thesis in his speeches, because the Head of State really has high hopes for young Kazakhstanis. Continuing their visits…

Fact Check

Coupons, harmful electric cars, rectangular clouds, dangerous vaccinations, pregnant Ken | Fact Check

11/16/2022, 10:17

In this issue of the “Fact Check” program, we will analyze the following fakes: – Messages about won prizes from supermarkets and restaurants; – Electricity increases the risk of cancer; – Rectangular clouds appear from the impact of …

Mazhilis Live

Price containment, product certification, jury trial, labor protection, wild dumps | Mazhilis Live

11/13/2022, 10:44

Kazakhstanis this year faced a sharp increase in food prices.