The East Harlem community attended the annual silent procession in support of Puerto Ricans following the disasters caused by Hurricane Fiona.
Marc Anthony’s song “Preciosa” plays while a group of flags are seen waving.
With flags, banners and the slogan One Puerto Rico, dozens of people gathered at White Park in East Harlem for the silent procession that has been held for 5 years in honor of the victims of Hurricane Maria. This year, the aim is to help and send a message of hope to the hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans affected by Hurricane Fiona on the island.
“A very important day for me and for the whole diaspora, the diaspora who is here and we say present we are with you Puerto Rico”, said Carmen Cruz, founder of NYC4PR
Hurricane Fiona entered the island of Puerto Rico on September 18 as a Category 1 hurricane.
After its passage, it left more than 1 million people without electricity and drinking water, as well as hundreds of thousands of people displaced from their homes.
Carmen standing in front without movement with a painting showing a house destroyed by Hurricane María and she with a flag in her hand
Carmen Paulino’s parents were affected by Hurricane Fiona. She says they were recovering from the disasters that Hurricane Maria left them 5 years ago, but for weeks Fiona left them without electricity and drinking water.
Carmen Paulino, daughter of one of the victims of Hurricane Fiona, continues to think about her family on the island:
“I’m very worried, they have to wait hours to find gasoline to use the generator and the generator has already broken after eight days of heavy use.”
Blanca Díaz’s parents were also severely affected by both natural disasters. She says the most important thing right now is to send help as soon as possible.
“Since there are people who have been left homeless, homeless, without clothes, anything they can contribute is appreciated,” adds Blanca Díaz, daughter of the victims of Hurricane Fiona.
Mayor Eric Adams joined this event and reminded attendees that Puerto Rico is also part of the New York community and needs everyone’s cooperation as organizers asked the community to educate themselves before making any donations to avoid fraud. . .
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