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Puerto Rico Enlists D.C. University To Review Hurricane Deaths

Puerto Rico's official death toll from Hurricane Maria stands at 64. But other studies put the number much, much higher.

By: Katherine Biek

Posted at 8:09 AM, Feb 23, 2018

and last updated 2018-02-23 08:09:57-05

Puerto Rico's governor is getting help from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., in reviewing the number of people who died following Hurricane Maria.

The hurricane struck the U.S. territory back in September. It was strongest storm to hit Puerto Rico in decades.

Gov. Ricardo Rosselló previously said the number of deaths related to the devastating storm could be higher than the official toll, which still currently stands at 64.

Studies from news outlets like CNN and The New York Times put the death toll much, much higher — perhaps even more than 1,000.

As part of its review, George Washington University will look at deaths in Puerto Rico occurring between when Hurricane Maria hit and the end of February 2018, as well as how the island's government handled the death count. A draft of the report is expected to be released in three months.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.