NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey State Police are headed to Puerto Rico to assist in earthquake relief efforts on the island.
In a statement, Gov. Phil Murphy’s office announced plans for a two-week deployment to assist people living in the hard-hit Ponce region. Seven troopers will leave Wednesday to set up operations for a 50-member force, who will be assigned to protect seven base camps.
New Jersey is home to one of the largest Puerto Rican populations in the United States. We will not forget about nuestra familia.I’m directing @NJSP to assist in emergency response efforts to help the people of Puerto Rico rebuild their homes and lives.https://t.co/cPfoH8hzeH
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy)
January 21, 2020 The initial team will transport supplies from FEMA’s headquarters in Caguas to the Ponce region. Troopers will help by providing emergency shelter for about 5,000 people and assisting in traffic control.
The full deployment is set to start Saturday, and they will return to New Jersey on Feb. 9.
Troopers were also sent to Puerto Rico two years ago in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
“Puerto Rico continues to be impacted by the destruction caused by Hurricane Maria, and now the island is also facing the aftermath of devastating earthquakes, leaving many families displaced and without a sense of normalcy,” Murphy said in a statement. “We will always stand with the people of Puerto Rico.”
