In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Donald Trump blames Puerto Rico's continuing struggles on "poor leadership." Pictures tell a very different story.

While the president sunk to an inexcusable new low on Saturday, images coming out of the storm-ravaged U.S. territory show us what's really going on. It is much as San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz described it: "This is a 'people are dying' story."

SEE ALSO:San Juan mayor to Trump: 'We are dying'

With a non-existent power grid and completely decimated infrastructure, the people of Puerto Rico are actively suffering as you read this on Sept. 30, 2017. There's no end in sight, either, as fixes for even the most basic functions of life in the 21st century -- electricity, and everything it provides -- are said to be many months away.

The scenes pictured below were all captured at the tail end of the week, and they offer a look at an environment that is a long way off from restoring even the semblance of normalcy. Even after the storm, some residents still hope to evacuate while others try to pick up the pieces of a shattered existence.

In response to your question on what are my thoughts on the US response so far, especially the administration’s turn today against the San Juan mayor?

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It's upsetting and disappointing to hear and read about it. This is a time when people come together . You defend and fight for those that need to be heard and that is what the mayor of San Juan has done.The President needs to understand this , the elderly, the children and all the people of Puerto Rico are suffering and are desperate. THEY NEED HELP. It's not about who said what or about how it was said, it's about what is being done.The people of Puerto Rico are resilient and strong. We have faith and I really don't think they are thinking about his comments. Puerto Rico is only thinking about food,water,medical supplies. They are thinking about when is the help arriving? All of Puerto Rico has been devastated by Hurricane Maria , Puerto Rico has many cities that have not been reached. I have yet to hear any reports on the cities of Ponce, Juana Diaz, Adjuntas, Guanica, Salinas these are all on the South side of Puerto Rico. We need to focus on all of Puerto Rico and I know we are receiving help but it's not fast enough and it needs to be distributed as soon as possible to all of Puerto Rico. I know my island appreciates everything that is being done and all the families. I just hope and pray everyone can realize it's about helping those in need and supporting one another after a huge disaster like this. Let's focus on people and not get into a war of words.

The media has done a great job in having our voices heard,and I want to thank you.

Our goal is to save lives and like my people on my island in that big ocean said "Puerto Rico se levanta" We will rise again. I want to thank everyone around the world and the companies that have stepped up to the plate in donations and those that are boots to the ground and working tirelessly around the clock to make this happen. God bless and let's focus on what is important.

Nothing about this situation is normal. Trump's politicizing of a humanitarian relief effort is troubling enough, but to see and hear those words while photos like these still surface every day... it's almost too much to bear.

This, right here, is what's happening in Puerto Rico just over a week after Maria. Take it all in. But don't take too long. These people need help. Do what you can.

CARD ID: 271422

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