Bermuda on alert as Hurricane Ernesto intensifies and approaches.

The Bermuda Islands are on alert following the approach of Hurricane Ernesto, which has intensified to a Category 1 on the Saffir-Simpson scale. This weather phenomenon, heading toward the British overseas territory, has raised concerns among authorities due to the risks it presents, including storm surges, heavy rainfall, and destructive winds. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a warning indicating that the hurricane could make landfall in Bermuda next Saturday, August 17. Ernesto has already made its mark on Puerto Rico, where it made landfall last Wednesday. The storm wreaked havoc on the island, leaving approximately 900,000 people without electricity, representing one-third of the population. Heavy rainfall caused flooding in various regions, further complicating the situation for residents who are already facing significant challenges with basic services. In this context, Puerto Rican authorities are working to restore electricity and water supply, as more than 300,000 people have been affected by the service interruption. Bermuda's Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks, has urgently called on residents to prepare for Ernesto's arrival. "I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for every resident to use this time to prepare," Weeks stated, recalling the lessons learned from past storms that caused devastating damage. Community preparedness is essential at times like this, where complacency can lead to disastrous consequences. For its part, the NHC has warned that Ernesto could become a major hurricane before its arrival in Bermuda, increasing the risks of flash flooding and dangerous storm surges. Meteorological authorities have urged residents to follow safety recommendations and stay alert for updates, as the hurricane's trajectory could change at any moment. In neighboring Puerto Rico, the situation has been precarious. LUMA Energy, responsible for electric transmission, has reported that at least 470,144 customers still lack electricity. The most affected areas are Caguas, Mayagüez, and Carolina, where the outages have caused significant inconvenience to residents, who are facing extreme heat conditions without electricity or access to drinking water. Calls to action have also come from the political sphere. Legislators in Puerto Rico have urged LUMA Energy to urgently mobilize repair crews, but they face criticism for the slow response. This lack of efficiency has generated frustration and despair among citizens, who remember the trauma of Hurricane Maria, which devastated the island in 2017 and left a profound impact on the electrical infrastructure. Meanwhile, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands have raised tropical storm alerts, although the impact of Ernesto remains a concern. The experience of other recent hurricanes in the region, such as Beryl and Debby, has served as a reminder of the severity these natural phenomena can reach. Beryl, in particular, was a Category 5 storm that caused loss of life and significant material damage. With the arrival of Hurricane Ernesto, residents of Bermuda and Puerto Rico face a new test of resilience. Authorities recommend making emergency preparations, including stocking up on water, food, and other essential supplies. The community is coming together in solidarity and preparing to face the challenges posed by Atlantic storms. This year, the hurricane season has been intense, and it is expected to continue in the coming months. The accumulated experience from past storms should guide communities in their efforts to protect themselves and minimize damage. Weather vigilance and preparedness are crucial for the safety of all. As Bermuda prepares for the arrival of Ernesto, the hope is that the lessons of the past will help mitigate the impact of this hurricane. The community must remain united and alert, trusting that nature, though powerful, can be faced with the right preparation and solidarity.