Ep 14. Blackout in Puerto Rico

In season 36, episode 14 of Frontline titled "Blackout in Puerto Rico," viewers are taken inside the aftermath of Hurricane Maria that devastated the island in 2017. The episode examines the government's response to the crisis and how a lack of preparation and inadequate resources left millions without power for months.

Through first-hand accounts from Puerto Ricans who weathered the storm, interviews with experts, and access to government officials, Frontline explores the timeline of events leading up to the hurricane and the impact it had on the island's power grid. As a result of the hurricane, power outages affected almost the entire island, rendering hospitals without electricity and preventing people from accessing clean water, food, and medical supplies.

The episode highlights the challenges faced by those trying to rebuild critical infrastructure and the frustration felt by Puerto Ricans as they waited for help that they felt was slow to arrive. While the government ultimately provided aid, Frontline questions whether it was enough and the motives behind their actions.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are also introduced to issues related to corruption and the mismanagement of funds allocated for hurricane recovery efforts. Frontline examines how public officials on the island have been accused of diverting money and influencing decisions made by the federal government, causing dissatisfaction in many local communities.

The episode concludes by exposing the ongoing challenges that still exist nearly four years after Hurricane Maria, including the slow pace of rebuilding efforts and the continued vulnerability of Puerto Rico to future natural disasters. As the island continues to rebuild, the episode raises important questions about the resilience of Puerto Rican communities and what must be done to ensure that they never face another blackout of this magnitude.

Overall, "Blackout in Puerto Rico" is a powerful and timely episode of Frontline that sheds light on a complex and ongoing crisis. Through its in-depth reporting and interviews with those impacted by Hurricane Maria, the episode offers a nuanced perspective on the challenges facing Puerto Ricans and the broader implications of the disaster.