🎙️ Voice is AI-generated. Inconsistencies may occur.
During its onslaught on Puerto Rico, Hurricane Fiona trapped about 250 animals in a shelter for three days before workers could reach them.
Fiona landed in Puerto Rico early Sunday morning, shuttering the island in total darkness as the storm severed power to all homes. The storm killed at least four people in Puerto Rico and left many others without running water or electricity.
Floods from the hurricane trapped hundreds of cats and dogs at a shelter in Hormigueros after a river behind the shelter rose to nearly 30 feet, according to a report by The Weather Channel. Workers were unable to reach the building for three days. On Tuesday, the National Guard helped workers navigate the floodwaters to reach the building and care for the animals trapped inside.
Upon entering the building, workers found the first floor destroyed by floods. A video from The Weather Channel showed debris scattered throughout the shelter, standing water and cages smeared with mud. The workers had moved all animals to the second floor before the hurricane hit, and all survived the storm. However, floods damaged the building, which still doesn't have electricity or running water. Shelter supplies were lost in the flooding, including items like refrigerators, pet food and medication.
Other Puerto Rican animal shelters rushed animals to shelters in nearby states, like Florida, to keep them safe from the storm. WTVJ in Miami reported that 30 cats and dogs were sent to The Humane Society of Broward County in southern Florida. Shelter workers said a San Juan rescue group transported the animals, who arrived at Miami International Airport late Tuesday night.
"By taking in these animals, it helps free up space at the rescue for animals that may have been displaced by the hurricane and provides a small amount of relief to the staff and volunteers who take care of the animals there," HSBC Senior Vice President of Operations Mary Steffen told WTVJ.
Animals from Puerto Rico were expected to be examined by a veterinarian Thursday and put up for adoption soon after.
After hitting Puerto Rico, Fiona hit the Turks and Caicos with torrential rain. Several reports showed that the hurricane has strengthened to a Category 4 and is tracking toward Bermuda. The storm is expected to pass by the island Friday. After Bermuda, Fiona could hit Atlantic Canada, impacting Nova Scotia and Newfoundland in the next few days.
Newsweek reached out to the National Weather Service for comment.
About the writer
Anna Skinner is a Newsweek senior reporter based in Indianapolis. Her focus is reporting on the climate, environment and weather ... Read more