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The Puerto Rico National Guard rescued municipal employees from Cabo Rojo and Luma Energy who were trapped in floodwaters on Highway 114 in the city Wednesday evening.
Environmental controllers in the city of Cabo Rojo were reportedly trapped in floodwaters while trying to rescue LUMA Energy employees heading to the Las Acacías substation.
“The reason LUMA personnel went to the Acacias area is that if they manage to open that substation, they can provide electricity to most of Cabo Rojo and other towns. It is already night time and the situation is a bit complicated for these situations,” the city government report said.
The city then notified the National Guard of their successful rescue: “Our City and LUMA environmental control personnel have been rescued by the Puerto Rico National Guard! “Everyone did a great job.”
More than 500,000 electric service customers on the island were without power around 10:50 p.m., since Tropical Storm Ernesto passed through the area Wednesday morning.
Since this morning, the number of customers has increased from 150,000 around 5:00 in the morning to 700,000 by midday and afternoon.
Earlier in a news conference, LUMA Energy President Juan Saca said the company has about 1,540 technicians working as long as weather conditions permit.
Recently, the coalition stressed that it will focus recovery efforts on critical facilities such as hospitals, water stations and treatment plants once assessments are complete and forces can respond safely.
“We are focused on conducting damage assessments and beginning restoration efforts as conditions allow. We are stressing to our customers the importance of ensuring they are safe and away from downed power lines or equipment. Given the ongoing impacts of the storm, our top priority at this time is the safety of the public and our staff. Once the storm has passed, we will work as quickly and safely as possible to restore service to all impacted customers,” Sacca said in a written statement.
If there are any emergencies regarding the energy system, citizens should contact 1-844-888-5862.
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