Protest rally in Washington in support of Puerto Rico

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Washington, D.C. in show of support to hurricane-hit Puerto Rico.

Hurricane Maria slammed into Puerto Rico in September, wreaking havoc on the US territory's infrastructure. About half of its 3.4 million residents still lack electricity, Xinhua reported.

The protesters, carrying Puerto Rican flags and signs that read "Fight for Puerto Rico", marched from Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial.

Among others, the protesters called for more federal response to Puerto Rico and the cancellation of the island's debt.

According to the Puerto Rican Department of Public Safety, the death toll from Hurricane Maria stood at 51 and estimates put hurricane damage at $95 billion.

The White House on Friday sent Congress a $44 billion disaster aid request for the country's disaster-struck areas, including Puerto Rico.

Lawmakers said the request does not come close to what local officials say is needed.

--IANS

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