(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — In the wake of Hurricane Fiona, Former Congressman Luis Gutierrez described massive flooding and no power in Puerto Rico.
“There’s an expression in Puerto Rico: If you blink, the lights will go out,” Gutierrez said.
The retired representative was on one of the last flights Saturday before the San Juan airport shut down.
Gutierrez told WBBM he's heard from relatives about flooding in the south due to rain from the slow-moving hurricane.
“When you get 25 – 30 inches in a 24-hour period over those mountains, it really — when it comes down along the coastline, where many of the cities are at — has flooded them,” Gutierrez said.
He said all the rain has swollen rivers and destroyed some bridges that were rebuilt after Hurricane Maria.
Gutierrez said other than sporadic power in the capital, the island is without electricity.
He said he wants a more stable power supply, in general, and suggested that it should include a move away from fossil fuels to renewable sources such as solar and wind.
The Democrat credited the Biden Administration with making an emergency declaration even before Fiona hit, and for positioning equipment in many places.
With more rain in the forecast, Gutierrez said the territory will need plenty of help.
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