telecom@eecs.nwu.edu (TELECOM Moderator) (09/22/89)
Not only has the hurricane wreaked havoc in Puerto Rico and caused millions
of dollars in damage, but it has caused emotional havoc in the lives of
Americans with relatives and friends in Puerto Rico as well.
I received a sad note today in my mail at Chinet from James J. Steiner,
asking for information on a rush basis from the folks who read the Digest,
and I said I would pass his request along.
He has a new employee working in his office who came from Puerto Rico just
three weeks ago, apparently here on the mainland for the first time in his
life. And now after such a short time in a new and strange place, this
poor fellow is faced with the news that his homeland has been ransacked
and virtually decimated.
The phone service to PR is still erratic at best. Apparently a special
800 number has been established by the long distance carriers as a special
humanitarian effort to folks who need to establish contact with friends
and family there.
** Does anyone have the number? Can you locate it? **
Also, there are a couple numbers in New York where relief efforts are
underway for Puerto Rico. What are those numbers?
Send email on a rush basis if possible: steiner@pica.army.mil
He thanks you, and so do I. No response to the Digest is needed unless you
feel posting the number here is merited.
For next: As I write this, the word is the hurricane is definitly expected
to hit the Carolinas in the early morning hours Friday. The television on
Thursday night said that it is almost inevitable at this point that there
will be extensive, very horrible damage along the east coast.
I hope those of you in the affected area will be able to maintain your
communication links, and that you will keep TELECOM readers posted on
emergency restoration efforts going on. My understanding is that many
residents are voluntarily evacuating the area; and that the telcos, among
other vital services, are gearing up to repair what they assume will be
quite extensive damage, if the storm hits as predicted, and it is now
a ninety five percent certainty that it will.
Patrick Townsonmsmith@topaz.rutgers.edu (Mark Robert Smith) (10/05/89)
It may be late, but American Express is supposed to be helping out. The number I got off of TV is 1-800-453-9000. I hope this helps. Mark Smith, KNJ2LH All Rights Reserved RPO 1604 You may redistribute this article only if those who P.O. Box 5063 receive it may do so freely. New Brunswick, NJ 08903-5063 msmith@topaz.rutgers.edu