Hurricane Maria formed in the Atlantic Ocean and rapidly intensified before making landfall in Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017. Classified as a Category 4 hurricane at landfall, it brought maximum sustained winds of around 155 miles per hour. The storm devastated the island's infrastructure, causing catastrophic damage to buildings, roads, and the power grid. Nearly the entire population of Puerto Rico was left without electricity, and access to clean water became a significant concern. The storm's impact was felt not only in physical destruction but also in the human toll, with official estimates indicating that 2,975 lives were lost as a direct consequence of the hurricane and its aftermath.

In the wake of the storm, Puerto Rico faced a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions. The island's government struggled to respond effectively to the disaster, leading to widespread criticism of federal disaster response efforts. Relief and recovery efforts were hampered by logistical challenges and the extent of the destruction. Many areas remained cut off for weeks, creating urgent needs for food, water, medical supplies, and shelter. The humanitarian response involved both local organizations and international agencies, but the scale of the need highlighted systemic issues in disaster preparedness and response in the U.S. territories.

Maria's destruction not only led to immediate humanitarian needs but also raised important discussions about the resilience of Puerto Rico’s infrastructure and the adequacy of U.S. support for the island. The storm underscored vulnerabilities associated with climate change, as the intensification of hurricanes was linked to rising sea temperatures and changing weather patterns. Puerto Rico's recovery efforts became a central topic in U.S. national discourse, raising awareness of the conditions facing the island and its people.