Puerto Rico governor calls for aid to avoid humanitarian crisis

Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossellohas asked formore federal government aid to avert a humanitarian crisis on theisland, which is home to 3.4 million people.

Hurricane Maria, the most powerful storm to hit Puerto Rico innearly a century, devastated the Caribbean island.Five days after the Category 4 storm struck, many on the island were still without adequate food, water and fuel.

Damaged dam

People living near the Guajataca Dam in the island'snorthwest were moved to safety after cracks appeared in the 88-year-old structure.There weregrowing concernsfor some 70,000 people wholive in the river valley below.

Infrastructure destroyed

A man rides his bicycle through a damaged road in Toa Alta, west of San Juan,following the passage of Hurricane Maria.

'Absolutely obliterated'

President Donald Trump said during an appearance in New York last week that Puerto Rico was "absolutely obliterated" and in "very tough shape."The confirmed toll from Maria jumped to at least 49 on Monday, including 16 dead in Puerto Rico,several of whom drowned or were hit by flying debris.

Road to recovery

Peoplecleaned the mudfrom their flooded house after the area was hit by Maria in Toa Baja.

Communication limited

Thisman manages to speak by cellphone to his family in the United States from Vega Alta, 45 kilometres north of San Juan.Maria destroyed the U.S. territory's electricity andtelecommunications infrastructure.

Aid urgently needed

Federal aid is racing to stem a growinghumanitarian crisisin towns left without fresh water, fuel, electricity or phone service by the hurricane. Democratic lawmakers with large Puerto Rican constituencies on the mainland characterized the response so far as too little and too slow.

Seeking shelter

Hilda Colon wakes up after sleeping in a shelter set up at the Pedrin Zorrilla coliseum after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in San Juan.

After the floods

Marciel stands in her flooded house after the rainsin Toa Baja. Puerto Rico battled dangerous floods after Maria ravaged the island.

Puerto Rico prays

Orisnela Solano hugs her daughter, Laura Goenaga as they attend a church service at the Parroquia Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion churchin Aibonito, Puerto Rico.