KISSIMMEE, Fla. – A crew of six Kissimmee Utility Authority linemen are headed to Puerto Rico to provide relief for the island, which is still in dire need of electricity.
One month after Hurricane Maria destroyed the U.S. territory, more than 83 percent of people are still without power. Early on, experts warned that power might not be restored for at least six months. The lack of electricity has led to deaths because people aren't able to keep medications refrigerated, or use life-saving machines. Others are exhausted, with no relief from heat.
Lead Lineman Luis Santiago visited the island days after the hurricane, he wanted to get his mother and father back to the states. Other family members stayed behind. He says the communities were unrecognizable.
“There is an unbelievable amount of work, it is overwhelming. I've never seen destruction like this before," Santiago said.
KUA utility trucks were sent on cargo ships to the island last week. KUA said the six lineman arrived in San Juan Tuesday afternoon.Â
The small crew will help to rebuild the electrical grid, which has more than 50,000 poles needing replacement, and 6,500 miles of cable needing to be restrung. The team expects to spend 30-45 days on the island.