Flooding in Puerto Rico results in 2 fatalities and millions of dollars in damages.

Puerto Rico is on high alert as it prepares for the possibility of renewed flooding after a weekend deluge that has already claimed two lives and caused significant disruption across the U.S. territory. The National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan reported that while calm weather is anticipated for the morning, afternoon showers are expected to develop over the interior and eastern regions of the island. As soils remain saturated from the previous rains, there is a heightened risk of flooding.

Forecasts indicate that instability could lead to further heavy rainfall on Tuesday, with the potential for an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain in the interior areas. This comes on the heels of an already substantial accumulation of rainfall; since mid-April, some areas have received between 10 to 20 inches, resulting in saturated soils and rising river levels. The NWS has highlighted that many locations, particularly in the interior and mountainous regions, are susceptible to flooding under these conditions.

The impact of the weekend rains was profound, resulting in significant flooding that submerged streets and stranded families. Among the fatalities reported was a 44-year-old man who died when a landslide struck his vehicle in Toa Baja. A 43-year-old female passenger was hospitalized but is reportedly in stable condition. This incident marks the second rain-related death since the onset of severe weather in mid-April, where another victim was swept away while navigating floodwaters in San Juan.

Local municipalities have reported extensive property damage totaling millions of dollars. A state of emergency was declared last Thursday for several municipalities affected by the persistent rains. Public Safety Secretary Arturo Garffer has been actively assessing the situation in various regions alongside local mayors, emphasizing the urgency and need for community support amidst these challenging conditions.

As Puerto Rico braces for additional rain, residents are urged to remain vigilant and heed any warnings issued by local authorities. The potential for further flooding poses a serious threat, particularly in areas already grappling with the consequences of recent storms. Media News Source will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the situation evolves.