US Territories’ September 10-16, 2018 news week in tweets
Trump Denies Puerto Rico’s Official Death Toll
“When Trump visited the island territory last October, OFFICIALS told him in a briefing 16 PEOPLE had died from Maria.” The Washington Post. This was long AFTER the hurricane took place. Over many months it went to 64 PEOPLE. Then, like magic, “3000 PEOPLE KILLED.” They hired….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 15, 2018
In a series of tweets, Donald Trump denied that around 3,000 people had died due to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. He has expressed great suspicion over the death toll increasing from 64 to 2,975.
Military Assessment Finds Potential for Government Failure High after Hurricane Maria
"The potential for government failure and the resulting humanitarian crisis on Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands is high," a military intelligence assessment warned days after Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico, documents show https://t.co/x3uAuVSK8I pic.twitter.com/q47tKym0lr
— CNN (@CNN) September 13, 2018
A military assessment written five days after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands warned that the potential for government failure and humanitarian crisis in the territories was high. This report was revealed after Trump tweeted stating that Puerto Rico’s recovery was a “huge success.”
Tesla Helps American Samoan Island Run on Solar Power
Elon Musk’s Tesla is quietly helping to power an island that runs almost entirely on solar energy. The island of Ta'ū, in American Samoa, is being powered by Musk https://t.co/iHdcsPH8eW#solarenergy #energy #solarcity #energysaving #solarpower pic.twitter.com/ZY3IBqXsWm
— juniorhhbinini (@juniorhhbinini) September 12, 2018
Ta’U runs solely on renewable energy, most of which is solar energy. Thousands of solar panels have been installed throughout the island, and Tesla Powerpacks help to store the energy. The islands can run on solar power for three days, and the batteries are able to be recharged in seven hours.
Guam Hit by Typhoon Mangkhut
Video shows Super Typhoon Mangkhut tearing through Guam, in the western Pacific.
It has caused widespread flooding and power loss, with parts of the US territory still without electricity on Thursday morning. https://t.co/EhtUajxigs pic.twitter.com/JKMPvHpWBK
— CNN (@CNN) September 13, 2018
Typhoon Mangkhut hit Guam on Monday and is moving through the Pacific towards Hong Kong. As of Thursday morning, electricity has not been restored in parts of Guam. The Guam Power Authority is working to remove vegetation and restore power lines in those areas.
CNMI Requests US for Emergency Declaration
Typhoon-hit CNMI asks US for emergency declaration https://t.co/OjDu6wyG7Z pic.twitter.com/ceoTq9gJJQ
— RNZ Pacific (@RNZPacific) September 10, 2018
After Typhoon Mangkhut hit the Northern Mariana Islands, the governor asked Trump for an emergency declaration. The governor stated that the typhoon was so strong, the CNMI government is incapable to effectively responding.
