Credit: CBS This Morning/ YouTube
“The food is not enough, the gas is not enough, so everyone is fighting to get at whatever is available.”
CBS reporter David Begnaud is in Puerto Rico painting a picture of the total disarray the island is in after Hurricane Maria. From the lack of food and water to floodwater-submerged houses, electricity still out, spotty cell service coverage at best, and a flood-damaged dam ready to burst, Puerto Rico is facing the largest disaster and humanitarian crisis of its modern history.
Off-air, Begnaud was a little less buttoned up about what was happening, showing how desperate the situation at the airport actually is.
"It's inhumane" what's happening at the airport in San Juan, a nurse from Little Rock, Arkansas told me – they need food, water and fans. pic.twitter.com/Fcm3QBiMVB
— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) September 25, 2017
Begnaud spoke to some people who have been sitting in the airport for up to five days in abysmal conditions. According to some who were waiting in line, people who were able to afford ticket prices of $1700 and up to $3000 were able to board some of the earlier flights off the island.
Flights off the island are starting at $1,500.
THIS IS NOT RIGHT. WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A HUMANITARIAN CRISIS. THERE SHOULD BE LAWS AGAINST THIS. pic.twitter.com/tmG1CXPQAS
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) September 25, 2017
Parents are stuck inside the airport where it’s the hottest, so they don’t lose a spot in line, while their children sweat in their strollers.
"Do you understand this is a humanitarian crisis?" 1,000 people waiting in line to leave Puerto Rico – sleeping children are sweating pic.twitter.com/EUM1pwtm72
— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) September 25, 2017
Governor Ricardo Rossello is aware of the situation and is planning on sending relief to the airports…
"I've ordered food and snacks to be delivered to the airport," the Governor just told me #SanJuan pic.twitter.com/WLBrS03twV
— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) September 25, 2017
But for some that relief isn’t coming fast enough.
I’m glad PR’s Gov is getting water & food to the people waiting in the airport trying to get out but why has it taken THIS long?? https://t.co/XHeFhzgXWL
— LilEsBella (@LilEsBella) September 25, 2017
Some Puerto Ricans are trying to use their celebrity status to motivate action.
Mr. President shut the fuck up about NFL. Do something about our people in need in #PuertoRico. We are American citizens too.
— Marc Anthony (@MarcAnthony) September 25, 2017
Infuriated with a government that isn’t doing enough, Marc Anthony called on the president to focus on issues more important than sports.
Ricky Martin has partnered with YouCaring to raise funds for Puerto Rico.
My people are in need. Please help mehttps://t.co/KxHupLM20u pic.twitter.com/r5WTpJCZnJ
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) September 22, 2017
Even superstar Luis Fonsi couldn’t keep it together when asked about the crisis.
.@luisfonsi quiebra en llanto al recordar a su familia con la quien no se ha podido comunicar en #PuertoRico #TodosUnidos pic.twitter.com/oA5Jx0bveP
— Telemundo (@Telemundo) September 25, 2017
Fonsi in an interview with Telemundo said “We want to help and we’re looking for every way to do that. We haven’t forgotten about them” as he pushed through tears.
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