1/13 update

The Jobos Bay crew continues to pull together and have managed yet another challenge. On Saturday morning, a 5.9 magnitude aftershock hit. This has caused further damage mainly in areas around the southern coast.

All reserve staff are safe and are working to help each other and their community to ensure everyone is safe and has water and ice. Electricity and water is out across many areas. Thankfully, we have strong communication via satellite and cell service and will continue to stay in touch to address needs.

NOAA OCM and NERRA will continue to work together to keep you posted and let you know if we begin a campaign and/or provide ways that you can help. In the meantime, please send your prayers and good wishes their way. As you can imagine, the emotional toll between Maria and now these unprecedented quakes is high. 

1/9 update

Puerto Rico’s southern coast was hit with a magnitude 6.4 earthquake earlier this week. The epicenter of the quake was in Ponce, which is about 45 minutes west of of our Jobos Bay Reserve.

Our colleagues are safe and are staying in close communication. While the Reserve is okay, many people in the area are without power and water, and their homes are unsafe or unstable. They are keeping their things in their cars in case they need to move quickly.

Given that folks are still trying to recover from hurricane Maria, this is an extremely challenging situation on multiple levels. NOAA and NERRA are staying in touch and stand at the ready to support our friends at Jobos Bay.

 Right now, no specific needs have been identified, but we will continue to explore ways in which we can help. We will keep you posted on any new developments.

Please keep the Jobos Bay colleagues and their family and friends in your thoughts.

—Information thanks to Erica Seiden, NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management