Red Cross supports Barrio Barraza

On the Carolina mountain within the Barrio Barraza people still need help. A generator that sends drinking water to the mountain was damaged, and it has been difficult for the community to obtain water in good condition. Thanks to the American Red Cross, they were able to take water and food supplies, among other things.

Unknown to the area, the distribution team led the way up the Carolina mountain until they reached Barraza. Still inside this area there were many debris, fallen trees and electric cables in the middle that made it difficult for the cars to pass. After asking for directions we arrived at our destination. At first, it was not easy to get a place to unload supplies, but thanks to local help, the search was quick and effective.

At the beginning of the distribution, our volunteers listened with emotion to how grateful the community was. A teacher from Jesús M. Suárez Elementary School said, "We have not had any water for five days." She said that they had to dispatch the children early from school due to lack of water. The teacher explained that without water they can not give food since there is no way to clean the kitchen and maintain a sanitary environment for the students.

"Thanks to you who bring us water; I already needed it, "Verónica Miranda said as she took the supplies to her car. He was asked if any oasis of drinking water is still working, but he said that they had to close it, since it was also damaged. "I went down to Mommy's house and there I got the water," Veronica said after having to look for water for her home.

After four months after Hurricane Maria, something as fragile as the breakdown of a generator takes away that worry-free moment and reveals the reality that many of the mountainous areas still depend heavily on generators. Thanks to the American Red Cross, this community, which has so much need, could be helped.

This article was published in Facebook and it belongs to the American Red Cross Puerto Rico Chapter. To read in Spanish, Click Here.