SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - The Puerto Rico National Guard has been transporting and distributing electrical generators supplied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in response to large-scale power outages throughout the island.
Beginning Friday evening, Guard members used tactical vehicles, escorted by officers of the Puerto Rico Police Department, to transport generators ranging in power output from 240 kW to 800 kW to the towns of Gurabo and Yabucoa.
"With this support from our National Guard we reaffirm our commitment and duty to help relieve the citizens of Puerto Rico during the emergency facing our Island,” said Army Maj. Gen. Marta Carcana, the adjutant general of the Puerto Rico Guard. “I am very proud and grateful of my Soldiers who always answer the call to help others in need."
Sgt. Maribel Maldonado, who is part of the group of Soldiers activated during the emergency, said she was honored to take part in the mission.
"I am proud and honored to serve my country,” she said. “It is fulfilling for me to know that I can contribute in some way to improve this situation. For me this is much more than just an obligation, it is a satisfaction for me to be part of the Guard.”
Guard members were activated Thursday to help in the distribution of the power plant generators. According to FEMA officials in Puerto Rico, 77 electrical generators have been provided in response to the blackout occurred which has left roughly 1.5 million families without electricity.