Five years after Hurricane Maria wreaked havoc on Puerto Rico, the island's residents are still grappling with the aftermath—and their patience has run out. Protests have erupted across San Juan as communities demand justice for what they describe as a failed recovery effort.
A Storm of Neglect
Hurricane Maria, one of the deadliest natural disasters in US history, left thousands dead and infrastructure in ruins. Yet half a decade later, many Puerto Ricans feel abandoned by both local and federal authorities.
"We were promised help, but all we got were empty words," said one protester outside the governor's residence. "Our homes are still damaged, our power grid is fragile, and our people are suffering."
Broken Promises, Rising Anger
Despite billions allocated for reconstruction, delays and mismanagement have left critical projects unfinished. Power outages remain frequent, roads are crumbling, and healthcare services struggle to meet demand.
Key grievances include:
- Slow distribution of relief funds
- Lack of transparency in reconstruction contracts
- Ongoing electricity and water shortages
- Minimal accountability for disaster-related deaths
A Call for Change
Activists argue that the crisis reflects deeper issues of colonial neglect and economic marginalization. With hurricane season looming, many fear the island remains dangerously unprepared for another major storm.
As protests grow louder, all eyes are on whether officials will finally address these systemic failures—or face escalating public fury.
