The following photographs were taken by WNHH and La Voz radio show host Jose Candelario during a recent visit to Puerto Rico to see friends and family in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona.
All of the photos were taken on Sept. 28 and Sept. 29, less than two weeks after the storm first hit the island, and offer one view of life on the ground in Patillas, San Lorenzo, and Guavate as residents rebuilt and persevered after yet another devastating storm.
Jose Candlario photos
Julia, a family friend of Candelario's, holding a loaf of pan de agua brought by Canderlario and his father outside of her home in the Marín Bajo neighborhood of Patillas. Two weeks after Hurricane Fiona hit, Julia's home was still without power and water. With a smile, she said she could live without water, but not without electricity and WiFi -- without which life is too boring.
The road to Marín Bajo, with powerlines sagging under bamboo and storm-ravaged trees.
Jose Candelario photo
A river crossing in Marín Bajo that was rebuilt by neighbors after the storm washed away a bridge.
More sagging power lines in Marín Bajo, thanks to bamboo and the storm.
Luz Rodriguez (right) and her husband soon after power had come back on at their house in the Mamey neighborhood of Patillas. Because they didn't have running water for two weeks, they would take daily baths in the river behind their house.
Rdoriguez's backyard. At the height of the storm, the river came up all the way to the fence.
One of the last remaining pana fruits in Rodriguez's backyard. The storm knocked down most of the panas from their trees, depriving locals of a common and beloved food source.
On the road to the mountainous region of San Lorenzo.
At the popular hangout spot Lechonera Los Pinos in Guavate.
A Puerto Rican "delicacy" at Lechonera Los Pinos: blood sausage, boiled plaintains, pork, and bananas.