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SOS flares light up sky over Puerto Rico’s Salinas as floodwaters trap families in their homes

Distress flares were reportedly shot across the sky in Salinas as people were stuck in an emergency caused by Hurrican Fiona

SALINAS, PUERTO RICO: Hurricane Fiona is causing disastrous flooding in Puerto Rico. As per reports, though the natural disaster will eventually move towards the US East Coast, it has created havoc in Salinas County, and on Sunday night, September 18, the National Weather Service (NWS) said that a flash flood emergency has been sent out.

“This highest NWS alert was prompted due to life-threatening flash flooding requiring multiple swift-water rescues in Sector San Felipe and Mosquito. In Utuado, floodwaters washed away a temporary bridge constructed after Hurricane Maria in 2017,” according to Weather Underground.

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It has been said that the Weather Service has asked residents to “move to higher ground now. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.” The National Hurricane Center said, “These rains will produce life-threatening and catastrophic flash and urban flooding across Puerto Rico and the eastern Dominican Republic, along with mudslides and landslides in areas of higher terrain.”

Besides, US President Joe Biden also extended his support to the Caribbean island. In a statement, he said: “The President’s action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in all 78 municipalities in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.”

Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi tweeted: “In case of any emergency, keep the following numbers handy. We want you safe.” Anne Bink, Assistant Administrator for Response and Recovery of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), shared while referring to Hurricane Maria that occurred in 2017: “Our heart goes out to the residents that are again going through another catastrophic event five years later.”

Meanwhile, SOS emergency flares have reportedly been flashed across the sky as people are stuck in the time of emergency. Twitter was filled with messages regarding the drastic situation. A user tweeted, “Salinas, one of the areas most affected, had it’s mangroves destroyed by the politicians of this country. They allowed this so they could build beach front houses. Salinas is underwater right now. Protect our natural resources and ecosystems or… #HurricaneFiona.” Another one said, “SOS emergency flares getting shot into the sky in Salinas Puerto Rico while people wait being evacuated by the National Guard after Flash floods.”

“Puerto Rico begging for emergency evacuation after flash flooding took over their homes. The situation on the southern coast is catastrophic. 💔💔,” the third one wrote and the fourth one added, “A woman cries out for help for herself & 2 children on Chapín Street, in the Playa neighborhood, in Salinas Puerto Rico. The house is flooded like so many others in the community due to the hurricane. #Fiona.”

A person shared, “Emergency situation in Salinas - family trapped at Villa Esperanza. If anyone is safely able to help, call 939-202-6083. #PRwx #Fiona.” The situation in Salinas has me really worried 😣. i hope all the families can be rescued,” a tweet read.

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