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People Have Packed Puerto Rico’s San Juan Airport And Are Standing In Hot, Humid Conditions So They Don’t Lose Their Place In Line

@DavidBegnaud/ Twitter
By September 26, 2017 at 12:01 am
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.

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.

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.

Governor Ricardo Rossello is aware of the situation and is planning on sending relief to the airports…

But for some that relief isn’t coming fast enough.

Some Puerto Ricans are trying to use their celebrity status to motivate action.

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.

Even superstar Luis Fonsi couldn’t keep it together when asked about the crisis.

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.


READ: As The Federal Government Argues With The NFL And Debates Healthcare, J.Lo And New York State Are Helping Puerto Rico


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Diego Luna Takes A Knee On 'Conan' And Gets Emotional About Mexico Earthquake

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Diego Luna Takes A Knee On ‘Conan’ And Gets Emotional About Mexico Earthquake

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By Araceli Cruz September 26, 2017 at 1:15 pm
Team Coco / YouTube

Mexican actor Diego Luna appeared on “Conan” last night and relayed his experience with the earthquake that hit central Mexico on Sept. 19. It was the first televised interview that Luna has given since he began relief efforts to help those affected by the quake. He also spoke in depth about why he and his pal Gael Garcia Bernal decided to create their own fundraiser for Mexico, which made the interview take a more political tone.

Luna said he experienced the big earthquake that hit Mexico in 1985, and revealed that he happened to be in Mexico City this for this quake as well. Luna said due to his previous experience, he felt somewhat prepared for big earthquakes and even tried to lighten the mood by telling jokes after they had all gotten outside. It wasn’t until the earthquake was over that Luna was able to take in how much destruction was caused by the quake.

“It was so scary and devastating, and we ran out and there was a building that fell — like, half a block away from where we were,” said Luna. “The beautiful thing is you would imagine people would be running away from this cloud, you know? But here it was the opposite. Everyone running towards the cloud to trying to get there to save someone, to save a dog. to try to see if there was anything you could do to help those what were — that were there.”

Luna said he and Gael Garcia Bernal started the grassroots relief efforts because the Mexican people cannot count on the government.

Luna said watching Mexicans come together to help each other moments after the earthquake hit was a beautiful thing to witness, which some might not expect by a country infamous for crime and fraud. “It happens in such a corrupt country like ours where you know the Mexican government won’t get there, so it has to be you. Everyone is helping. Everyone has solidarity. Everyone is caring about each other… it’s the Mexico I feel proud of, it’s the Mexico that I belong to.”

Luna said the money collected through his fundraiser is going directly to the people.

CREDIT: YouTube

Luna said they’ve created a team of people that will thoroughly investigate which organizations need the most help and make sure the money goes directly there.

“This is not a thing that ends in a week, or two, or three,” Luna said, adding, “There’s still buildings in Mexico that haven’t been rebuilt from the earthquake in 85. So it’s going to take time.” He added, “We need a lot of money, and we hope you can donate and be part of this beautiful effort to give love to those who today lost everything.”

During the interview, while Luna was talking about the corruption in Mexico, Conan O’Brien took a light-hearted jab at the Trump administration, saying: “Unlike this country, where we trust our government.”

“Should I go on one knee?” Luna asked. “I don’t want to get kicked off your show.”

This exchange prompted Luna to take a knee.

CREDIT: YouTube

He kneeled for a while as the audience clapped, and O’Brien made a joke saying “people tuning in right now think you are proposing.” Luna quickly got up.

Click here to learn more about his fundraiser and to donate.

READ: Frida The Mexican Rescue Dog Has Been Honored As A Piñata And It’s The Cutest

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Diego Luna, Conan O'Brien, earthquake, mexico city, Mexico