Downpours cause US$15mn in damages

Two days of intense rains in Puerto Rico have caused losses of more than US$15mn, Caribbean Business reported. Some 20 roads and 10 bridges are impassable and the transport ministry estimates US$1.5mn will be necessary for these repairs. Rainfalls reached 15 inches in some sectors, the paper added. The southern municipalities of Salinas and Guayama have been the most affected and were declared emergency zones, along with Maunabo, Rio Grande and Santa Isabel. The five municipalities will receive US$3.5mn from the Emergencies Fund, to cover cleanup costs, repair damages and help families recover. "This is the first allocation, but I'm sure there will be more," the paper quoted governor Sila Calderon as saying. The aqueduct & sewer authority's (AAA) operator Ondeo has reported that mud in the island's rivers has caused difficulties at treatment plants and the water supply in several municipalities has been affected, while approximately 15% of the country's coffee harvest has been lost, the paper added.