New Harvard Study: Hurricane Maria and Failed Government Response Resulted in the Deaths of More Than 4,600 Americans

SAN JUAN, P.R. -- A new study from Harvard University researchers published today in the New England Journal of Medicine estimates that the number of people who died in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria far surpasses the official government estimate of 64. Researchers estimate the total number of deaths likely exceeds even the 4,645 figure reached in this study.

In response, Jose Menendez, Chapter Chair for Sierra Club de Puerto Rico, released the following statement:

"The true toll of Hurricane Maria will never be truly known, but this study makes it obvious that far more lives and communities were shattered than politicians are letting on. Rebuilding is only beginning, but it is clear to those of us in Puerto Rico that the inexcusable inaction by the Trump Administration, and Governor Rosselló’s failure to adequately prepare our island’s health infrastructure for disaster response, resulted in avoidable suffering and death. Just last week the Center for Investigative Journalism found that both before and after the hurricanes, the local government led by Rosselló allowed Puerto Rico’s health care system to degrade, and failed to plan for any emergency response, much less the massive disaster represented by the hurricanes. Our elected leaders can’t fix their deadly failures, but they can take a step forward in helping the American citizens in Puerto Rico rebuild by immediately investing in a just and equitable recovery that leaves no one behind."