N.Y. Deploys Aid Team To Puerto Rico Earthquake Areas
ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) — New York has deployed 25 state building inspectors and 26 bilingual mental health professionals to assist with earthquake recovery efforts in Puerto Rico, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Sunday.
Democrat Cuomo said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul is leading a delegation to earthquake affected areas as a follow-up to initial damage assessments conducted by the governor two weeks ago.
"This is an ongoing situation. The tremors have not stopped. The damage has not stopped. People have not yet been able to go back to their homes because you have tremors and earthquakes that are continuing," Cuomo said.
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The ground in southwest Puerto Rico has been shaking since Dec. 28, toppling homes and schools. Cuomo said thousands of people remain in shelters, unsure if their homes are structurally safe and fearful of the ongoing tremors.
The earthquakes struck as Puerto Rico was still recovering from extensive damage caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017, Cuomo said.
(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)