Community leaders in Bridgeport are organizing relief efforts for Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic in the wake of the most powerful Atlantic hurricane yet recorded.

Hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans lost power when Hurricane Irma buffeted the island Wednesday.

State Rep. Chris Rosario says he's reaching out to the Bridgeport Hispanic Heritage Committee to coordinate efforts from the Government Center on Broad Street. Collections will begin on Sept. 15, which is also the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Despite a large amount of damage to the island, residents say they feel they were spared the brunt of the storm.

Rosario has family in Aibonito, near the center of the island. He says he had a chance to speak with relatives through Facebook and tells us they're OK.

They say there's flooding, downed trees and property damage, but the main concern for a lot of people is the lack of power. Rosario says his family could be out of power for months.

Alma Maya, of Bridgeport, says her mother lives in the San Juan metropolitan area.

"She hasn't had electricity since yesterday at noon," Maya says. "So, it's a little bit hectic. She's worried about losing her food."