There are New Jerseyans who are still trying to get home from Puerto Rico after being stranded on the island due to Hurricane Maria.

Anna Ruiz was among those stuck on the island. She arrived at Newark Airport tonight after being stuck in Puerto Rico for 17 days.

Ruiz traveled to the island on Sept. 9 to enjoy a cruise with relatives, but after returning to port, she was stuck there because of Hurricane Maria.

The airports sustained severe damage, and her flight out of Aguadilla to New Jersey was canceled three times.

She tells family she had to go without much food, and apparently running water was available only every two days. Her relatives were going to gather in Terminal C to greet her this evening.

News 12 has heard similar stories from people who've been waiting to get off of the battered island. Some 90 percent of Puerto Rico remains without power, forcing many to get by with only candlelight after sunset.

New Jersey natives are still remaining hopeful that the situation in Puerto Rico will improve. 

"I think with the unity of everyone here, everyone trying to help out I think we will build back as long as we do it together," said Rafael Ruiz of Sayreville.

Communication on the island is still difficult with people having to travel to find a cell signal. New Jersey National Guardsmen who specialize in communications are in Puerto Rico working to correct that problem.