GORDONSVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- A woman from Puerto Rico, who moved to Virginia after Hurricane Maria in 2017, said she's devastated by the damage done to the island by a series of earthquakes that started at the beginning of January.

Rosalynn Piñero went to Puerto Rico to see her family and ended up seeing more than she expected when the earthquakes started. She said there was a lot of panic in the community.

"Panic was the first thing people had and fear," said Piñero. "Lots of fear because it's not something we're used to."

Piñero was staying in Ceiba, which is on the east side of the island. She traveled to Guanica, an area that was heavily impacted by the earthquakes on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, and she was devastated to see the damage.

"You start to see tents and people staying on the main street because they don't sleep in their house for fear that their house will collapse in the middle of the night and they'll die," said Piñero.

Despite the tough times, Piñero said the community has stayed united. She said people have been making kitchens from their cars to cook meals for their neighbors. She also donated supplies to help people in her community.

"What we brought was wipes for kids. We brought snacks for kids. We brought hygienic products for adults," she said.

After two weeks on the island, Piñero returned to Virginia and said she's sad she can't be with her loved ones. However, she hopes people who decide to stay in Puerto Rico keep their faith, love and community close for a brighter future.

"Keep on staying positive and have faith in God. We're an island that believes in God," she said. "We're always united in the good and bad. That's what makes us big in the community. The love, the dedication we have. If you need anything, we'll help you. That's how we are."

Piñero hopes to return to the island soon.