LI families anxiously wait to hear from loved ones in Puerto Rico

<p>Storm-battered Puerto Rico took the brunt of Hurricane Maria Wednesday, leaving homes leveled and hundreds of thousands of people without power.&nbsp;</p>

News 12 Staff

Sep 20, 2017, 10:57 PM

Updated 2,407 days ago

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Storm-battered Puerto Rico took the brunt of Hurricane Maria Wednesday, leaving homes leveled and hundreds of thousands of people without power. 
The direct hit has Long Island families with loved ones in Puerto Rico anxiously waiting to hear if they are safe.
Jose Gonzales, owner of NY Auto Detailing in Bay Shore, said he has not heard from his family in Puerto Rico since 7 p.m. Tuesday. He has since started a supply drive at his shop at 17 Garfield Ave.
"If we have to stay here until 3 o'clock in the morning, we will do it," he said about his collection efforts. 
Melville resident Sulay Jones said the whole day had been frustrating and frightening. She said she spoke with family members in Puerto Rico late Tuesday afternoon but was unable to reach them afterward. 
"My aunt said, 'Don't worry about me, even if I'm not here, I'll always be here for you,'" Jones said . 
Puerto Rico had not been hit by a Category 4 hurricane since 1932. Just two weeks ago, Hurricane Irma made landfall there, too.
Officials say it will take months to fully restore power across the island, but despite the destruction, they did not report any deaths or serious injuries as of Wednesday night.


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