Hurricane Irene Hits Puerto Rico Hard

San Juan, Aug 22. – Puerto Rico woke up Monday to floods, rubbles, and blackouts following the overnight passage of hurricane Irene, which is now heading towards the Dominican Republic and would reach the United States on Friday.

Hurricane Irene Affects Puerto Rico, Heads to the Dominican Republic The category-one hurricane hit Puerto Rico hard leaving thousands of people without electricity, blocked streets and roads, and overflooded rivers, among other consequences, the local media report on Monday.

The hurricane unleashed 254 mm of rains in Naguabo and other seven towns of the Vieques island municipality, said Rafael Mujica, deputy director of the National Weather Service (SNM).

Irene touched land early in the morning by eastern Humacao and went out shortly before sunrise by northern Dorado. The storm caused blackouts still affecting thousands of families, Mujica said.

At least five rivers burst their banks, among them La Plata, Blanco de Naguado, Cibuco, Grande de Loiza, and Fajardo, the SNM reported, which also issued an alert on sudden floods for the Barceloneta, Ciales, and Manati municipalities.

Some 770 people have been evacuated into 77 shelters around the country, and also landslides were reported blocking roads in the region of Mayaguez, Governor Luis Fortuño told the national television on Monday.(Prensa Latina)