SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — For the U.S. citizens on the island of Puerto Rico, Hurricane Irma was bad. Even though the eye of the storm did not hit the island as it passed by on Sept. 7, the storm was powerful enough and close enough to leave more than one million residents without power and three fatalities in its wake. But then came Hurricane Maria on Sept. 20, which was worse. Its eyewall made a direct hit, ripping off roofs with its Category 4 winds as it scraped across the 100-mile-wide island, defoliated the landscape, destroying crops and knocking out power for almost 100 percent of the island’s 3.4 million residents.
At least 24 deaths were attributed to the storm, a toll that worsened in the days that followed as fighting broke out over scarce resources. Maria is ranked as the fifth-most powerful storm to ever hit the U.S. or its territories.
Beatriz Rosselló, wife of Puerto Rico governor Ricardo Rosselló, had already set a charitable initiative in motion in response to Hurricane Irma — and redoubled those efforts in the wake of Hurricane Maria. The result: a planned charity concert, telethon and appeal for fundraising that will be broadcast from the island on Sunday, Oct. 22.
The fundraising concert is expected to reach millions of U.S. viewers via radio and TV, with more than 20 Spanish Broadcasting System radio stations TV networks Telemundo, Univision and Mega TV airing the broadcast. Participating artists include Marc Anthony, “Despacito” singer Luis Fonsi and more. Together they will also collaborate on a song and video titled “Isla Bendita” (Blessed Island) to raise more funds.
Along with Marc Anthony and Luis Fonsi, artists supporting the event include Tito el Bambino, Juan Luis Guerra, Nicky Jam, Jowell & Randy, Maluma, Víctor Manuel, Ednita Nazario, Ozuna, Pirulo y La Tribe, Gilberto Santa Rosa, La Secta, Olga Tañón, Vico C, Carlos Vives, Wisin, Yandel and Zion & Lennox, among others.
For more information, and to make a donation, go to www.unidosporpuertorico.com.
