PUERTO RICO – In the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria, citizens are expected to be subject to a complete power loss for an estimate of 6 months to a year.

Power4PR has recently sent out a petition for the global community to lend a hand in this ongoing crisis. Experts say that Hurricane Maria is the most powerful storm to have hit Puerto Rico in almost a century and has left much devastation in its wake.

According to Ricardo Ramos, CEO of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), 80% of Puerto Rico’s electric transmission and distribution infrastructure have been severely damaged in the hurricane.

In the midst of this tragedy, Power4PR aims to provide alternative energy solutions to the bereft citizens of Puerto Rico free of charge through donations. They also intend to match every commercial purchase of their products with an identical one to be provided to a family in need.

The main products they intend to donate to the hurricane victims include an emergency one-time-use disposable power bank, which works for Android and iPhone mobile phones, a saltwater-powered LED lantern, and a portable 15-watt solar-powered LED light bulb. These products should suffice for basic power needs, but the organization says that they seek to expand the products they offer soon.

As of the time of this writing, Power4PR is currently taking donations on their website, and their “Buy One Donate One” program is in effect as well. Those who intend to donate may do so through their website by choosing which products they seek to donate or by purchasing their own products for those who would also like to try it out for themselves or send in their own donations.

Donated products are packaged and sent directly to the appropriate authorities in Puerto Rico in order for the humanitarian aid to reach the hurricane victims as soon as possible.

The damaged caused to the power infrastructure has left some 3.5 million people without access to power. With PREPA recently having filed for bankruptcy, it would require 750 million dollars in liquidity funds to be provided every year over the course of ten years in order to repair the widespread damage, estimates PREPA CEO Ramos.