"Weakened Dam Looms As Latest Threat To Puerto Rico After Hurricane"

"SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - A dam in Puerto Rico weakened by heavy rains from Hurricane Maria was in danger of failing on Sunday, posing a flood threat to thousands of homes downstream as the storm-battered U.S. island territory struggled through a fifth day with virtually no electricity.

Some 70,000 people who inhabit a river valley below the Guajataca Dam in the northwestern corner of the island have been under evacuation orders since Friday afternoon, when authorities first warned that the earthen structure was in danger of imminent collapse.

The fear of a potentially catastrophic dam break added to the pandemonium facing disaster relief authorities in the aftermath of Maria, which has claimed at least 29 lives across the Caribbean, according to officials and media reports."

Dave Graham and Robin Respaut report for Reuters September 24, 2016.

SEE ALSO:

"Puerto Rico Governor: ‘We Still Need Some More Help’ From Washington" (Washington Post)

"Official: Hurricane Maria Set Puerto Rico Back Decades" (AP)

"Facing Months in the Dark, Ordinary Life in Puerto Rico Is ‘Beyond Reach’" (New York Times)

"When Will Puerto Rico Have Power Again? Why It’s Hard to Know" (NBC News)

"Cracks in a Puerto Rican Dam Send Neighbors a Message: Leave Now" (New York Times)