INTERNATIONAL NEWS - US President Donald Trump has defended his response to the disaster in Puerto Rico, which has been ravaged by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria.
Much of the US island territory has lost power, while residents say they are running low on medicines and food.
Critics have accused Mr Trump of being slow to respond, and of showing more concern for Texas and Florida after they were hit by hurricanes.
Mr Trump has announced he will visit Puerto Rico next week.
"That island was hit as hard as you can hit," he said, adding the US was sending food, water and supplies on "an hourly basis" to the island.
Hurricane Maria battered Puerto Rico last Wednesday, killing 16 people and knocking out electricity, water and telephone services.
