The Guardian

Puerto Rico battered by Hurricane Maria: 'Devastation – it's everywhere'

Worst storm to hit Puerto Rico in 80 years felled trees and smashed buildingsGovernor’s spokesman describes scene of ‘total devastation’
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - SEPTEMBER 21: Damaged homes in the La Perla neighborhood the day after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 21, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan many are left without running water or cell phone service, and the Governor said Maria is the 'most devastating storm to hit the island this century.' (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

After hours of hurricane-force winds and torrential rain, Puerto Ricans emerged from shelters on Thursday morning to find that their island was still under threat from landslides, flash floods and crippled water and electricity systems.

Hurricane Maria – the worst storm to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years – felled trees, smashed buildings and tore roofs from homes. Chest-deep floodwaters forced people to use boats,paddleboards or jetskis to seek medical help or reach family and friends.

“Devastation – it’s everywhere,” Carlos Mercader, a spokesman for Puerto Rico’s governor, told

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