Heavy downpours continue to batter Puerto Rico, exacerbating flood threats across the U.S. territory with ongoing flash flood warnings. The relentless rains have submerged roads, marooned families, and resulted in at least one fatality over the weekend.
On Saturday evening, a tragic accident occurred in Toa Baja when a tree hit by a landslide collapsed onto a vehicle, killing a 44-year-old man and leaving a 43-year-old woman hospitalized. The continued rainstorms have been relentless for two weeks, with another fatal incident last Monday involving a motorist who was swept away by floodwaters.
Authorities recounted the deadly landslide that caused the tree to crash onto a highway, impacting the car of Febus Padilla. The passenger, Yesenia Díaz Pacheco, sustained injuries but remained in stable condition.
The intense weather led to emergencies being declared in at least five municipalities throughout Puerto Rico. In San Juan, Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo actively supported affected families by distributing essential supplies such as mattresses and gas stoves. The coastal town of Vega Alta is grappling with estimates of $7 million in damage, while Cidra reported $3 million in infrastructure losses, prompting reliance on emergency reserve funds.
“This event has been a nightmare, continually challenging us without relief,” said María Vega Pagán, mayor of Vega Alta. She has been calling on Puerto Rico’s governor for additional support, as persistent storm runoff poses further threats to coastal communities.
In Aguas Buenas, not far from San Juan, flooded streets and a newly formed sinkhole have marooned 26 families, complicating access to their homes. Local officials have been delivering necessary supplies to affected areas, which are struggling with water service issues.
“These families are not only cut off, but they are also dealing with inadequate access to clean drinking water,” explained Mayor Karina Nieves Serrano.
Meanwhile, in Ceiba, a coastal city, authorities are working to repair a water pipeline destroyed by a landslide. The disruption impeded the drinking water supply, leading to the deployment of water trucks to help affected sectors. “We are in a severe situation that demands immediate action,” emphasized José D. Sepúlveda Sánchez, a regional water management director.
An additional water pipe rupture in Caguas led to operational halts at its major water filtration plant. Despite plans to restore operations within 12 hours, residents are being urged to continue boiling water for safety concerns due to the plant being critical in decontaminating local groundwater.