VDEM Releases Hurricane Isabel Storm Damage Estimates 

Release Date: October 30, 2003
Release Number: 1491-108

» More Information on Virginia Hurricane Isabel

Richmond, VA -The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) today announced that Hurricane Isabel storm damage in the commonwealth has reached an estimated $1.6 billion, with the final tally expected to be higher.

The damage estimate includes private property and public damage costs, the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program expenditures and other quantifiable miscellaneous expenses to include $283 million for damages to military installations.

"Hurricane Isabel ranks as one of the most expensive disasters in Virginia's history," said VDEM State Coordinator Michael Cline. "The storm's widespread destruction will cement Isabel's name in the record books."

The damage figure is based on the consensus of a working group convened to compile Hurricane Isabel damage estimates for Virginia. It reflects the latest information available but does not yet provide a complete picture of the storm's impact on the state.

The commonwealth is currently awaiting damage reports from approximately 10 percent of the affected localities and will revise the estimate as this additional damage information is received. Other known consequences such as lost business due to closures; tourism, productivity and income losses, are not easily quantified and are not included in the estimate.

The working group consisted of representatives from VDEM, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Department of Planning and Budget, Department of Taxation, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Virginia Employment Commission.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Thursday, 30-Oct-2003 08:54:23