Officials in Puerto Rico expand state of emergency after weeks of heavy rain
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Ten towns and cities across Puerto Rico are under a state of emergency following two weeks of heavy rain, with two people killed.
Three cities — Caguas, Lares and Vega Alta — were added to the list on Monday, according to a statement from the Department of Public Safety.
The 10 municipalities are expected to receive $100,000 each to help repair damaged infrastructure. The amount barely covers the estimated damage in some areas.
Officials have said the rain inflicted $7 million worth of damage in Vega Alta and $3 million in the town of Cidra.
The rains, which began on April 18, have caused landslides and widespread flooding.
Last week, a man died after trying to cross floodwaters in his car and was swept away. On Saturday, a tree fell in the town of Toa Baja, killing a 44-year-old man driving through the area.
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