Puerto Ricans who survived Hurricane Maria are now living in Florida and facing the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which has brought back painful memories of the devastation they experienced in 2017. Cecilia Rosa De Leon, who survived Maria in Puerto Rico, took precautions to prepare for Milton, such as boarding up windows and stocking up on food. She reflected on the trauma of Maria, where her family’s home flooded and some neighbors lost their lives.
The aftermath of Maria claimed almost 3,000 lives in Puerto Rico, making it the deadliest hurricane in the United States in 100 years. Now, facing Milton, many Puerto Ricans in Florida are reminded of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters. Shailier Figueroa, who stocked up on supplies after Maria, felt the panic as Milton approached Florida, while Jesús Eduardo Aponte Feliciano, who was a teenager during Maria, prepared for the storm in his apartment with roommates.
For many Puerto Ricans who relocated to Florida after Maria, the experience of surviving one hurricane has made them more cautious and aware of the need for preparedness. Despite the emotional toll of reliving the trauma of Maria, these survivors are determined to face future storms with resilience and a greater understanding of the power and impact of hurricanes. The lessons learned from Maria have shaped their approach to facing natural disasters, as they now prepare for hurricanes with the utmost caution and diligence.
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