What were the impacts of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico's cultural environment Flashcards
Impacts on Building and Infrastructure: How were homes affected by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico?
Thousands were damaged or destroyed, especially those in rural areas or informal settlements. The destruction led to a displacement crisis, with many residents seeking shelter. Years post-Maria, numerous homes remained damaged, disproportionately affecting the poorest.
What happened to Puerto Rico’s electricity grid after the hurricane?
The island experienced a total blackout. It took nearly 11 months to restore power, due to outdated infrastructure, lack of maintenance, and the grid’s exposure to elements.
Describe the impact on water infrastructure.
Water treatment plants were damaged causing widespread outages. Even where service resumed, contamination concerns persisted.
How did transportation infrastructures fare?
Roads and bridges were damaged or washed away, making areas inaccessible. The main airport also suffered damages, affecting air traffic and supply delivery.
What was the effect on communication systems?
Telecommunication towers were knocked down or rendered useless, causing widespread communication blackouts and hampering relief coordination.
How were medical facilities affected?
Hospitals and clinics were damaged, compromising medical services. Fuel shortages posed challenges for those operating on generators.
Describe the impact on educational infrastructure.
Many schools were damaged, disrupting education. Some were repurposed as community centers or shelters.
What damages did public buildings sustain?
Government buildings, police stations, and other public service infrastructures faced damages, disrupting essential services and functions.
How were ports impacted?
The island’s ports, crucial for aid and imports, suffered damage, hindering relief and economic recovery.
How did the hurricane affect economic infrastructure?
Especially small and local businesses faced significant damages, leading to economic hardships, job losses, and extended recovery times.
Impacts on the Economy: What was the immediate economic loss due to Maria?
The direct damages caused immediate economic losses estimated at 91 billion US dollars.
Describe the hurricane’s impact on tourism.
The tourism sector, vital to Puerto Rico’s economy, was severely affected due to damages to facilities, lack of power, and a tainted image. Tourism revenue loss was around US$1 billion, leading to unemployment and emigration.
How was agriculture affected?
Important crops were decimated. Many farmers faced total or near-total losses, hindering the industry for years.
What challenges did the banking and financial sector face?
Power outages affected operations, and there were concerns about loan defaults due to economic disruptions.
How did the hurricane affect migration patterns?
Many Puerto Ricans migrated to the U.S. mainland in search of better opportunities, impacting the island’s labour market and economy.
