TAMPA, Fla. -- Floridians are working on the ground in Puerto Rico to help in the aftermath of earthquakes.
Javy Marrero said after visiting the island last week when a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit, he knew he had to return.
"When people hurt it naturally hurts me," he said.
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So, the Tampa Bay area resident said he and others from the area collected around 1,600 pounds of supplies over the weekend, including air mattresses and hygiene products. Marrero said he, Pedro Hernandez, Liza Minnelli, Gaby Berrios, Anita Marrero and Jimmy Sustache flew them to Puerto Rico Tuesday night.
"There’s a lot of damage you’re talking about. Houses, schools... you can see right behind me that’s a business that everything it’s gone. All around this building is no longer operational," he said, showing a crumbling building behind him.
Marrero said they're traveling along the southern region, handing out supplies as they see the need.
"It’s horrible. I mean, I’ve been going to Puerto Rico since I was five years old and every year, I’d come once or twice a year and this is the worst I’ve seen it," said Jimmy Sustache.
The USGS reports more than 1,200 earthquakes have hit the island since December 28. On Wednesday, a 5.2 magnitude hit the island.
"These people here are warriors," said Marrero.
But they're hoping their help provides some comfort.
