Facebook sending team to help get Puerto Rico back online

Facebook is sending employees to help restore communications in Puerto Rico after the island was battered by Hurricane Maria.

“We’re working to get Puerto Rico back online,” Mark Zuckerberg said on Wednesday in a Facebook post announcing the company’s efforts. “We’re sending the Facebook connectivity team to deliver emergency telecommunications assistance to get the systems up and running.”

Over 91 percent of the cell towers on the island are still not in service, according to a Federal Communications Commission report on Wednesday.

{mosads}

Zuckerberg said that Facebook will also support relief efforts by donating $1.5 million to NetHope, a group that links tech experts with humanitarian organizations, and the United Nation’s World Food Programme.

Facebook is also going to let organizations run ads free of charge that will help people in Puerto Rico get information on how to stay safe and get assistance.

The U.S. territory was struck by Maria almost a week ago, leaving at least a dozen dead. The island is still in turmoil as it struggles to restore power and cell service.

The Pentagon Wednesday said it is ramping up aide and restoration efforts, including the establishment of a military headquarters and increased food and water delivery to the island.