The Atlantic

The Crisis at Puerto Rico's Hospitals

A lack of fuel, power, and supplies might make death tolls rise further on the island.
Source: Alvin Baez / Reuters

Puerto Rico is on the brink of a humanitarian crisis in the wake of Hurricane Maria, and as often occurs with natural disasters, people in need of immediate medical care are among the most vulnerable.

Maria knocked out much of the island’s power, affecting hospitals that rely on electricity to from Tuesday morning, 58 of the island’s 69 hospitals lack power and fuel. In some areas, electricity is not expected to be .

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