FEMA Disaster Assistance Reaches $115 Million In Puerto Rico
Release Date: October 15, 2004
Release Number: 1552-025
» More Information on Puerto Rico Tropical Storm Jeanne and Resulting Landslides and Mudslides
SAN JUAN, PR -- Tropical Storm Jeanne victims in Puerto Rico have received $115.4 million in disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), according to Federal Coordinating Officer Peter Martinasco of FEMA. More than 84,000 individuals have registered with FEMA for disaster aid.
“Federal, commonwealth and municipal agencies responding to Tropical Storm Jeanne have approved a large amount of assistance within a short time frame,” said Martinasco. “Although we are proud of our accomplishments, there are still people who suffered losses due to the storm that need to register with FEMA.”
Residents from the 57 disaster-declared municipalities who suffered losses or damages from the storm are urged to register for assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362. The TTY number is 1-800-462-7585 for those who are speech or hearing-impaired. Both lines are available daily from 6 a.m. to midnight, until further notice. If possible, applicants should try calling in the evening after 6:00 p.m. or on weekends when call volume often is lighter. Individuals can also can also register online for assistance and find valuable recovery information by visiting FEMA’s website at http://www.fema.gov.
FEMA provides to individuals and families two types of disaster grants: grants to homeowners to perform minimal repairs and rental assistance for renters and homeowners whose homes are uninhabitable, and assistance to cover other essential disaster-related needs. “We will continue working with the disaster victims in a team effort to help them on the road to recovery,” said Martinasco.
Applicants who have questions about disaster aid programs or the application process may visit the nearest fixed Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) located in Aguada, Canovanas, Fajardo, Santa Isabel, Toa Baja and Vieques. A number of short-term Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers are also visiting other municipalities. Their locations and dates will be announced to those specific municipalities, as they get approved and set up operations.
Breakdown of applications and Individual and Household Program (IHP) grants, by municipality:
| Municipality | Applications | Individual Grant (IHP) Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Aguada | 437 | $534,598.26 |
| Aguadilla | 852 | $1,583,345.94 |
| Aguas Buenas | 998 | $1,914,341.27 |
| Aibonito | 1,489 | $1,397,354.21 |
| Anasco | 137 | $174,885.94 |
| Arecibo | 653 | $735,328.22 |
| Arroyo | 1,200 | $1,460,356.71 |
| Barceloneta | 990 | $1,939,621.81 |
| Barranquitas | 5,570 | $8,999,927.80 |
| Bayamon | 1,193 | $1,850,698.28 |
| Caguas | 2,564 | $3,190,501.56 |
| Camuy | 194 | $201,380.08 |
| Canovanas | 3,105 | $8,492,471.32 |
| Carolina | 2,465 | $1,823,235.64 |
| Catano | 1,122 | $1,262,575.23 |
| Cayey | 760 | $1,265,721.49 |
| Ceiba | 750 | $1,018,587.31 |
| Ciales | 713 | $644,359.84 |
| Cidra | 1,112 | $1,539,874.58 |
| Coamo | 861 | $995,389.81 |
| Comerio | 1,336 | $1,955,995.24 |
| Corozal | 1,353 | $1,665,710.55 |
| Dorado | 938 | $1,810,869.80 |
| Fajardo | 1,798 | $1,348,449.65 |
| Florida | 305 | $463,942.57 |
| Guayama | 1,393 | $1,456,236.15 |
| Hatillo | 205 | $256,597.07 |
| Humacao | 5,988 | $8,635,113.05 |
| Isabela | 415 | $593,997.46 |
| Juana Diaz | 1,239 | $1,153,604.38 |
| Juncos | 1,950 | $2,541,554.90 |
| Lares | 15 | $0.00 |
| Las Piedras | 1,857 | $2,713,076.07 |
| Loiza | 2,758 | $4,121,664.13 |
| Manati | 490 | $458,467.04 |
| Maunabo | 955 | $2,779,610.77 |
| Moca | 223 | $416,552.24 |
| Morovis | 2,121 | $2,246,118.32 |
| Naguabo | 2,821 | $3,093,764.28 |
| Naranjito | 2,271 | $3,147,292.87 |
| Orocovis | 4,183 | $4,442,658.60 |
| Patillas | 1,053 | $1,215,118.70 |
| Quebradillas | 128 | $125,605.59 |
| Rincon | 304 | $264,067.11 |
| Rio Grande | 1,963 | $3,032,899.58 |
| Salinas | 953 | $1,465,837.07 |
| San Lorenzo | 1,005 | $1,630,197.69 |
| Santa Isabel | 1,746 | $1,902,700.11 |
| Toa Alta | 830 | $1,197,485.16 |
| Toa Baja | 1,673 | $4,096,812.94 |
| Utuado | 321 | $172,425.12 |
| Vega Alta | 358 | $563,579.30 |
| Vega Baja | 1,023 | $1,000,596.50 |
| Vieques | 870 | $2,273,839.55 |
| Villalba | 1,347 | $1,243,309.05 |
| Yabucoa | 4,592 | $8,337,608.81 |
| 84,141 | $115,447,505.07 |
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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Monday, 18-Oct-2004 09:40:07