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Last weekend Congressman Bill Posey (R-FL) joined a small Congressional Delegation to Puerto Rico to survey the damage caused by recent earthquakes. On December 28th Puerto Rico suffered a 4.4 magnitude earthquake, followed by a 6.4 magnitude quake on January 7th and a 6.0 magnitude earthquake another four days later.

“Because of the structural damage to their homes, thousands of residents are living in their cars or tents set up in their yards,” said Congressman Posey. “It’s a miracle that despite the destruction caused by these massive earthquakes only one fatality was recorded.”

The Congressional Delegation also included Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Congresswoman Donna Shalala (D-FL) and was hosted by Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR). Members of Congress received briefings from FEMA, U.S. Geological Survey, Puerto Rico’s Seismic Network and Bureau of Emergency Management. Although Puerto Rico is bordered by four fault lines, these were the first major earthquakes in over 100 years. Geologists and seismologists say future events are completely unpredictable.

Posey said that it’s encouraging that many friends and family on the mainland are providing assistance and want to do more. However, he warned that not all solicitations for relief are legitimate. To be sure your contributions reach disaster victims, FEMA is partnering with NATIONAL VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE IN DISASTER (https://www.nvoad.org/) The Hotline for Puerto Rico is (787) 330-0382.

“Hopefully our visit will reassure those in Puerto Rico that we are full partners in their recovery.”