VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Hurricane Fiona is roaring over the Dominican Republic after knocking out power to all of Puerto Rico.
The governor of Puerto Rico says the damage is catastrophic.
As of mid-day, no deaths were reported, though emergency crews still need to assess the damage.
News 3 is checking with organizations and businesses in Hampton Roads to see how they are responding.
Mercy Chefs says its deployment team is monitoring the situation and is in contact with individuals in Puerto Rico. They hope to know more soon as to whether they’ll send a team to prepare emergency meals for those in need.
Jonathan McNamara, regional communications director for American Red Cross, said they are also on standby but as of Monday afternoon, no Virginia crews were deployed. He also said that Red Cross does have disaster teams on the islands.
News 3 reached out to Virginia Task Force 2 to see if they may assist. Virginia Beach Fire Captain and Task Force leader Jon Rigolo said they helped during Hurricane Maria but this time, FEMA is deploying task forces from Maryland and Nebraska.
Meantime, the owner of Island Dog Rescue of Virginia Beach says they are ready and assessing the situation in Puerto Rico right now.
Raquel Rivera Bonilla, owner of De Rican Chef restaurants talked about her family in Puerto Rico.
"They don’t know the damage yet, but they don’t have any electricity or water right now in their houses," Rivera Bonilla described.
She also said she'll be looking for ways to support Puerto Rico. In fact, they are already planning to hold the
De Rican Fest Saturday, September 24. She said a portion of the proceeds will now go to help Puerto Ricans affected by the hurricane.
The festival is scheduled to have live bands, art vendors, Latin performances, salsa lessons, and a pig roast.
It's being held Saturday starting at 2:00 p.m. at 325 Virginia Beach Boulevard.
Tickets will be $20 at the door, cash only.
