Following Hurricane Fiona, Espaillat Visits Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic to Assess Devastation

NEW YORK, NY – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement upon return from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic to assess damage following Hurricane Fiona, which made landfall to the region last week and left at least 16 people dead and thousands without power or running water.

Earlier today, Rep. Espaillat joined New York City Mayor Adams and city leaders in support of the region affected by the storm. Watch press conference here.

“We have witnessed catastrophic devastation across Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic due to Hurricane Fiona, and it will require a multi-level government approach to ensure vital resources to the region and in a timely manner,” said Rep. Espaillat. “New York City will not leave our brothers and sisters behind, and I welcomed the opportunity to join Mayor Adams and members of the New York City Emergency Management team to assess the damage in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, and we stand ready to ensure the necessary assistance to help individuals and families throughout the region.”

During the assessment tour, Rep. Espaillat and members of the NYC delegation met with San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero and Dominican President Luis Abinader to discuss recovery efforts to the region following damage from Hurricane Fiona.

Since Fiona made landfall in the region, Rep. Espaillat has been active on ensuring critical aid and support to affected communities, including his bicameral letter signed by Senator Gillibrand (D-NY), and Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY-05) to Administrator Samantha Power and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) urging immediate food, water, shelter, health care, emergency telecommunications services, utility services, and all other relevant forms of aid to the Dominican Republic and its neighbors.

Click here for images and videos from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic following Hurricane Fiona.

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