VIDEO Watch "Puerto Rico suffered much higher death toll from Hurricane Maria" on YouTube

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Puerto Rico suffered much higher death toll from Hurricane Maria In a compelling report, CBS News correspondent David Begnaud highlights the devastating reality of Hurricane Maria and its aftermath for Puerto Rico. An independent study conducted by George Washington University, commissioned by Puerto Rican officials, has revealed that nearly 3,000 people died as a result of the hurricane, marking it as the deadliest storm for Americans in more than a century. This figure starkly contrasts with the government's initial estimate, which indicated that only 64 people had died due to direct hurricane-related incidents. Governor Ricardo Rosselló of Puerto Rico has publicly accepted these findings, acknowledging the report's conclusions. He plans to sign an executive order to establish a commission aimed at implementing the study's recommendations for disaster preparedness and mortality data management. This step is significant, as it emphasizes a commitment to improving future responses to disasters and preventing similar tragedies. One of the major revelations from the report is that many of the deaths were indirect, resulting from a lack of access to necessary medical care, such as dialysis or oxygen. The study utilized census data from previous years to project the expected death rates, ultimately attributing the excess deaths to the hurricane. Incredibly, this means that the overwhelming majority of casualties were not counted in the initial reports—a result of inadequate disaster preparedness and response systems. David’s reporting captures the emotional weight of this acknowledgment. The governor expressed sadness over the report's findings, reflecting on the profound impact of Hurricane Maria on the lives of Puerto Ricans. It raises critical questions about accountability and the preparedness of both local and federal government systems in responding to such disasters. This discussion brings to light important considerations for disaster management and recovery efforts in the United States, particularly for territories like Puerto Rico that may experience unique challenges in their recovery processes. Discussion Points:

• How can disaster preparedness and recovery systems be improved to prevent such tragedies?
• What role does training for medical personnel play in accurately reporting disaster-related deaths?
• Do you believe there should be more transparency in government reporting during crises?

Feel free to share your thoughts or any related experiences in the comments!