Puerto Ricans who survived Hurricane Maria in 2017 are now facing the aftermath of Hurricane Milton in Florida. Many, like Cecilia Rosa De Leon, are dealing with the emotional trauma of being reminded of the devastation they experienced during Maria. De Leon boarded up her home and stocked up on supplies, drawing on her experiences from surviving Maria which left her family with no food, communication, or power. She witnessed the deaths of neighbors and learned the importance of being prepared for such disasters.
The aftermath of Maria claimed almost 3,000 lives, making it the deadliest hurricane in the United States in a century. Now, facing Milton, Puerto Ricans in Florida are stocking up on supplies and hunkering down, prepared for the worst. Shailier Figueroa, who left Puerto Rico during Maria’s aftermath, has been stocking up on supplies since August. Others, like Jesús Eduardo Aponte Feliciano, who was a teenager during Maria, are facing Milton as adults, understanding the importance of being prepared for any natural disaster.
The memories of Maria, such as losing loved ones, living without power, and facing the devastation, weigh heavily on many Puerto Ricans now facing Milton. Knowing the importance of preparation, many are taking precautions and staying put to help others in need in the aftermath of the storm. The experiences of Maria have changed their lives and made them realize the importance of being ready for any hurricane or natural disaster, no matter the category.
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