Puerto Rico needs 'unprecedented' US help, official says

Puerto Rico needs ‘unprecedented’ US help, official says

Puerto Rico has suffered such extensive devastation from Hurricane Maria that its recovery will fail unless the island gets more U.S. help, an official says. | AP file photo

WASHINGTON — Puerto Rico has suffered such extensive devastation from Hurricane Maria that its recovery will fail unless the island gets more U.S. help.

That’s the word from Natalie Jaresko, executive director of a federal control board that oversees Puerto Rico’s finances.

Jaresko tells Congress that the U.S. territory needs emergency and restoration funds “on an unprecedented scale” to restore housing, water and electric power.

Puerto Rican authorities have estimated the island suffered $45 billion to $95 billion in damage in the September storm. So far, Congress has approved nearly $5 billion in aid.

The head of Puerto Rico’s power authority isn’t testifying as scheduled before a House committee — citing “urgent efforts” on power restoration.

RELATED: BROWN: ‘It’s not working’ is the message from Puerto Rico BROWN: No electricity, little water — plenty of despair in Puerto Rico Illinois National Guard troops heading to Puerto Rico

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