Hi, I’m Karla, part of a Mercy Corps Emergency Response team here in my home island of Puerto Rico. Are you ready to test your skills?
September 20, 2017: A devastating hurricane has just plunged 3.4 million people – my friends, family and neighbors — into a desperate crisis. There are so many immediate needs to meet, but we also have to make sure people have what they need for what is sure to be a long, grueling recovery.
Challenge 1
As soon as the hurricane hit, the entire island lost electricity – and it still hasn’t been restored in most communities. With 1 million people without power, what can we bring that will help?
Challenge 2
Heavy rains and flash floods brought on by the storm have flooded wells and turned the streets into rivers full of debris. In some areas, floodwaters were waist-high – more than 30 inches deep – and often contaminated with sewage. What can we bring to help prevent the spread of disease?
Challenge 3
People need supplies, and they need them fast. About 80 percent of the island’s crop value was wiped out by Maria, representing a $780 million loss in agricultural yields – a devastating blow to an island with high poverty and already-fragile food security. What’s something we could bring to help?
Food
Tent
Water Filter
Emergency Cash Card
Solar Lantern
Food Vouchers
Medical Supplies
Hygiene Supplies
Drag an item that can help onto the backpack
Thanks for packing these essential items for a first initiative of emergency aid!
Our teams are ready to help communities recover from natural disasters. We know that the road to recovery will always take time, and every little bit of help will make a big impact.
While not everyone can be on the ground to directly support those in need, you can make a donation to Mercy Corps today to help Puerto Rican communities and people in crisis around the world.
Will you give now to help build a better world?