NPR

'You Have To Try': Puerto Ricans, Without Power, Find Ways Forward

Hurricane Maria knocked out power across the entire island, and many areas lack running water. Doing laundry, turning on the lights, eating dinner: Everyday life has become a constant challenge.

Outside of his little business on the side of the road in a small town in Loiza, Puerto Rico, Santiago Quiñones adjusts a small solar panel.

It's charging a floodlight, to illuminate the cramped space at night. He takes it down and demonstrates how it works. "You can't see right now because it's daylight, but it's already charged," he says in Spanish.

Like everyone else in Puerto Rico, 73-year-old

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min read
Pregnant Stingray Charlotte Brings In Traffic, Business To North Carolina Town
Charlotte the stingray in a small North Carolina aquarium has been attracting visitors since she got pregnant without a mate. Businesses in Hendersonville are delighted by the influx.
NPR2 min readAmerican Government
Putin Wins Russian Election; Supreme Court Tackles Misinformation, Censorship Case
Putin hails his victory in a Russian election with no real opposition. The Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case that examines whether the government can combat misinformation online.
NPR5 min readAmerican Government
Trump Says Some Migrants Are 'Not People', And Warns Of 'Bloodbath' If He Loses
Former President Trump claimed he will protect Social Security and warned of a "bloodbath" in the auto industry if he loses the election at a rally for Senate candidate Bernie Moreno in Ohio.

Related Books & Audiobooks