SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO, Sept 18 (Reuters) – Hurricane Fiona reached Puerto Rico on Sunday, knocking out power and threatening to cause “catastrophic flooding” and landslides before heading towards the Republic Dominican Republic, according to a government agency.
The center of the storm made landfall on the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico near Punta Tocon at 7:20 p.m. GMT with maximum sustained winds of about 140 km/h, crossing the threshold of a Category 1 hurricane, it said. the National Hurricane Center.
Electricity has been cut across the island of 3.3 million people, the power grid operator and the Puerto Rico Electric Authority said in a statement. Full restoration of power could take several days.
Ports in Puerto Rico have been closed and flights from the main airport cancelled. Torrential rains and mudslides are also expected in the Dominican Republic as the storm progresses northwest and the Turks and Caicos will likely experience tropical storm conditions on Tuesday, according to the NHC.
“These rains will produce catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and urban flooding in Puerto Rico and eastern Dominican Republic, as well as mudslides and landslides in high ground areas,” the statement said. agency.
President Joe Biden on Sunday approved a declaration of emergency for Puerto Rico, which authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate relief efforts and take emergency protective measures.
The rains have increased in intensity since Sunday morning, accompanied by strong gusts of wind, according to the inhabitants.
According to the NHC, much of Puerto Rico is expected to receive between 30 and 40 cm of rain, while some areas could receive 63.5 cm of precipitation.
Puerto Rico’s grid remains fragile after Hurricane Maria in September 2017 caused the largest blackout in US history. During this category 5 storm, 1.5 million customers were deprived of electricity and 80% of power lines were cut.
Authorities opened more than 100 shelters and closed beaches and casinos as residents were told to take shelter.
One death related to Fiona has been reported so far on the French island of Guadeloupe. Authorities said a man was found dead on Saturday after his house was swept away by floods.
France will recognize the state of natural disaster for Guadeloupe, declared the president, Emmanuel Macron. (Report Ivelisse Rivera San Juan, French version Benjamin Mallet)