Hello, hello, hello!
Lin Miranda here. When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in the fall of 2017, I wrote to you asking for your help. And you and fellow MoveOn members responded in droves. Today, I write to you again, John, because Puerto Rico is again facing a climate emergency.
Since December 28, 2019, a series of earthquakes has been impacting the southwest region of the island, displacing thousands of families, crippling the local economy, destroying vital infrastructure, and further delaying the ongoing rebuilding process that started in the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Maria.1
For nearly two months, hundreds of earthquakes and aftershocks (sometimes dozens per day) have been registered. Widespread damage occurred with the largest earthquake so far, 6.4 on the Richter scale.2
Two months later, schools and businesses remain shut, homes remain destroyed and/or compromised, and families remain in shelters or living in tents, while local authorities struggle to provide relief and push forward with cleanup and rebuilding. Anxiety only grows as the earth continues to tremble daily, multiple times, including when least expected.
Two months later, the cameras are gone. The support Puerto Rico was getting from so many friends in the United States and around the world has moved on. Once more, Puerto Rico is left to help itself while Washington and the Republican administration block aid for the island.3
Our fellow American citizens in Puerto Rico need our help.
As in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, the Hispanic Federation's UNIDOS Disaster Relief and Recovery Program has a team on the ground that is providing emergency relief and long-term support to those affected by the earthquake in Puerto Rico and the ensuing aftershocks through their network of community-based organizations.
We've shown up in the streets across New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., demanding that the Trump administration release its hold on disaster relief for Hurricane Maria.4,5
Let's continue to show up for our fellow citizens. Let's continue to help Puerto Rico rise up.
Siempre,
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Sources:
1. "A deadly earthquake has most of Puerto Rico with no power, no water and residents fear tremors will bring more destruction," CNN, January 7, 2020
https://act.moveon.org/go/117134?t=3&akid=258144%2E40999114%2EGpjW3R
2. Ibid.
3. "The continuing disaster aid crisis in Puerto Rico, explained," Vox, February 24, 2020
https://act.moveon.org/go/117142?t=5&akid=258144%2E40999114%2EGpjW3R
4. "President Trump lifts hold on $8 billion for Puerto Rico; Protests held in New York City," ABC7 New York, January 15, 2020
https://act.moveon.org/go/117143?t=7&akid=258144%2E40999114%2EGpjW3R
5. "Months After Blowing Deadline, Trump Administration Lifts Hold On Puerto Rico Aid," NPR, January 15, 2020
https://act.moveon.org/go/117135?t=9&akid=258144%2E40999114%2EGpjW3R
Contributions to MoveOn Civic Action are not tax-deductible for income tax purposes. You're receiving this email because you took action with MoveOn. MoveOn is where millions mobilize for a better society—one where everyone can thrive. MoveOn members are committed to an inclusive and progressive future. We envision a world marked by equality, sustainability, justice, and love. And we mobilize together to achieve it. MoveOn members are a force for social justice and political progress. We come from all 50 states and all walks of life. Together, we are at once large and nimble, targeting our resources purposefully, yet pivoting quickly as we identify new opportunities for change and mobilize to seize them. Our rapid-response organizing and campaigning, communications interventions, digital innovation, rigorous data science and testing, and culture of grassroots participation have repeatedly combined to produce real-world impact, changing outcomes and making our country better. This email was sent to John xxxxxx on March 1, 2020. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. If you'd like to receive less frequent emails from MoveOn, you can click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.