Jan 13, 2020 - Science

Obama urges help for Puerto Rico after back-to-back quakes

Former U.S. President Barack Obama speaks to guests at the Obama Foundation Summit on the campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology on October 29, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois.

Former President Obama speaks at the Obama Foundation Summit in Chicago in October. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Former President Obama tweeted an appeal Sunday for people to support Puerto Rico's recovery following a series of earthquakes that have rocked the island, killing at least one person.

Why it matters: Puerto Rico's governor declared a state of emergency last Tuesday. President Trump has approved a federal disaster declaration request after two earthquakes measuring magnitudes of 6.4 and 5.8 struck — displacing many people and leaving much of the island without power. Aftershocks have since hit, and there was a magnitude 5.2 quake Friday.

Go deeper: In photos: Puerto Rico in state of emergency after back-to-back quakes

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