Puerto Rico updated its death toll from Hurricane Maria

Damaged road in Toa Alta, west of San Juan, Puerto Rico

Source : https://www.abcnews.go.com/

The official death toll from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico increased to 34 from 16, governor says.

Gov. Ricardo Rosello updated the death toll in Puerto Rico which has risen to 34 people, doubling more than the previous count. Out of the 34 people who died, 19 people died as a direct result of the storm while 15 people died indirectly by the storm. Gov. Rosello made the announcement at a conference after President Trump’s visit to assess the territory.

During President Trump’s visit, he congratulated Puerto Rico officials for avoiding a high death toll compared to the catastrophe of Hurricane Kathrina back in 2005 which killed 1,800 people. On the other hand, although the death toll from the powerful hurricane can be considered low, the condition of the people who survived are still in distress as they have not gotten full access to water, electricity, and cell service. Even the highest priority facilities such as hospitals and roadways have not been able to operate fully.

Puerto Rico officials are doing the best they can to recover from the damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also sent more than 10,000 troops to help organize and distribute supplies. Now, 45% of customers have access to drinking water and Rusello hopes that electricity on the territory will recover by the end of October. 

(Rizkya Annisa Syifa Rahany)

Sources:

ABC News: Hurricane Maria death toll jumps to 34 in Puerto Rico

AP News: Puerto Rico raises hurricane's official death count to 34

Fox News: Death toll from Hurricane Maria hits 34 in Puerto Rico, governor says

Vox: Puerto Rico finally updated the Hurricane Maria death toll to 34