Rev. Jackson returns to Chicago from touring devastated Puerto Rico

It has been nearly a month since Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico.

Now with many people out of power and clean water sources, the island is fighting just to survive.

Reverend Jesse Jackson spent a little more than three days in Puerto Rico where he met with government officials.

So far, 48 deaths are attributed to Hurricane Maria -- a number that could rise.

A month after Hurricane Maria tore through the island, more than 80 percent of the 3 and a half million people there still have no power. 40 percent are without running water and millions are still without food.

“The most horrendous thing I suppose was to see people in houses, in the dark, without light with no water and no transportation,” Jackson said.

Jackson returned Tuesday to Chicago after a trip there to tour devastation. It was also a trip taken to deliver needed supplies.

More than 100-thousand pounds of food, water, school supplies and hygiene products were collected from Chicago and delivered in Puerto Rico with the help of area churches.

Jackson’s return to Chicago comes a day after President Trump told reporters the federal response in Puerto Rico deserves an "A+."

“The response is limited. I don't want to give it that kind of grade because I don't want to degrade those who are working, but they need more help,” Jackson said.

Jackson is not the only person from the Chicago area to pitch in and help.

A group of two dozen city fire department employees returned over the weekend after spending 10 days visiting remote areas of the island and providing medical attention.

Representative Luis Gutierrez will be making a second trip there this week, saying the island is amid a health crisis.

“There's a real lack of doctors in Puerto Rico. There’s a real lack of medicine in Puerto Rico and the hospitals are not open,” Gutierrez said.

Reverend Jackson believes one thing getting in the way of aid in Puerto Rico is what's known as the Jones Act. It requires ships carrying goods between U.S. ports be carried by American ships, or face taxes.