Puerto Rico Seeks US Help After Quake  01/22 06:20

   SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) -- Puerto Rico Gov. Wanda Vzquez asked the U.S. 
government Tuesday to issue a major disaster declaration for 10 additional 
municipalities following the recent damaging earthquake.

   The petition came two weeks after the 6.4 magnitude tremor hit near the U.S. 
territory's southern coast, killing one person, destroying hundreds of homes 
and causing damaged estimated at $200 million.

   U.S. President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration last week 
for the most affected municipalities, which officials say will free up more 
federal funds for recovery and reconstruction.

   Vzquez is now seeking to extend the same help to the municipalities of 
Adjuntas, Cabo Rojo, Corozal, Jayuya, Lajas, Lares, Maricao, San Germn, San 
Sebastian and Villalba.

   Vzquez made the announcement one day after protesters gathered at the 
seaside governor's mansion and Capitol building to demand her resignation 
following the recent discovery of apparently forgotten disaster supplies amid 
continuing aftershocks as thousands of people remain in shelters.


(KR)