WASHINGTON, DC, USA (CMC) — The United States on Wednesday said that it “stands in solidarity with the people of Dominica and all those across the Caribbean region” affected by Hurricane Maria.

“The United States stands ready to work with you and our international partners to provide immediate disaster relief,” said US Department of State spokesperson Heather Nauert in a statement.

“We are in the process of coordinating the best possible package of assistance,” she added. “The recent natural disasters underscore our interconnectedness and the importance of strong partnership with the Caribbean.”

Nauert said the Department of State has an ongoing task force working to determine the extent of the damages, to coordinate evacuation efforts, and to provide assistance to US citizens in the affected countries.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Caribbean region,” she said.

Hurricane Maria, the most powerful storm to make a direct hit on Puerto Rico in almost a century, ravaged the island on Wednesday, knocking out all electricity, deluging towns with flash floods and mudslides, and compounding the already considerable pain of residents.

Less than two weeks ago, another powerful storm — Hurricane Irma — dealt the island “a glancing blow”, killing at least three people and leaving nearly 70 per cent of households without power.

Hurricane Maria, which made landfall on Puerto Rico at 6:00 am Wednesday, as a Category Four, took out the island’s entire power grid, and only added to the woes of a commonwealth that has been groaning under the weight of an extended debt and bankruptcy crisis.

Hurricane Maria also slammed into Dominica late Tuesday.

The storm has devastated infrastructure and led to seven deaths.