On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico as a Category 4 storm, causing catastrophic damage to the island. The hurricanes fierce winds and heavy rains left much of the island without power, clean water, or communication. Over 3,000 people died as a result of the storm, with many victims perishing due to lack of medical care and infrastructure. The response to the disaster was criticized for being slow and inefficient, drawing attention to Puerto Ricos vulnerability to such storms. Recovery efforts have continued for years, with many parts of the island still struggling to rebuild.