WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has launched a state effort to help Puerto Rico recover and rebuild from the deadly hurricane that wreaked havoc across the Caribbean island last week.
Hurricane Maria, the most devastating storm to hit the economically backward region in a century, killed 33 people in Dominica and Puerto Rico.
The Hurricane slammed into Puerto Rico on Wednesday with heavy winds and rain, leaving the entire island in a communications and power blackout. Hot, isolated, and running out of supplies, parts of Puerto Rico are near desperation, media reported.
Following his visit to Puerto Rico to deliver emergency supplies and see firsthand the widespread damage and devastation, the New York Governor launched the Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort for Puerto Rico.
The effort brings together a wide range of civic, business and industry partners to provide needed services, goods and funds to help the people of Puerto Rico in the relief efforts.
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's Charities Bureau will monitor the fund.
Governor Cuomo is the honorary chair of the effort, with singer-actress Jennifer Lopez, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, New York Assembly member Marcos Crespo and Cesar Perales as co-chairs.
Lopez, born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, offered $1 million.
She called on everyone to pay attention to and urgently support Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Mexico City with donations and contributions. Lopez and her friend baseball legend Alex Rodriguez were working with athletes to arrange two aircraft to deliver supplies.
New York-based airline JetBlue has committed $1 million to transport the customers and cargo for relief efforts.
New York has historically been a hub for Puerto Ricans who move to the mainland United States.
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