Devastating Floods Hit Puerto Rico
On September 21-23, 2008, more than one-third of Puerto Rico experienced the most catastrophic flooding since Hurricane Georges. The torrential rainfall resulted in severe flooding of rivers, streams and roads, causing sinkholes, landslides, mudslides and structural collapses across the southern part of the island. In some municipalities, almost 30 inches of rain fell during the three day period. Five people lost their lives due to disaster related events. More people lost their lives during this event than during Hurricane Georges. It is imperative that residents continue to take measures to ensure their family's safety.
At the height of the response operation, 17 shelters across 16 municipalities housed hundreds of displaced people. Forty-seven major roads in 27 of the 78 municipalities were closed because of flooding or mudslides. Thousands of people were without power and more than 37,000 residents were without sewer and water services.
Since the federal disaster declaration of October 1, more than 15,000 Puerto Rico residents have registered with FEMA in only nine days. More than $1.2 million has been approved for housing repairs, temporary housing and other disaster-related needs. Residents in 19 municipalities are eligible for recovery grants and loans, and 24 municipalities are eligible for community-based infrastructure assistance.
Nine Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) were fully operational within nine days. DRCs give affected residents an opportunity to talk to disaster assistance experts face-to-face. FEMA and Small Business Administration recovery officials are on hand to assist with applications and give advice. More than 3500 people have visited the DRCs so far.
This disaster severely affected families and communities across Puerto Rico. In Arroyo and Santa Isabel--only two of the twenty four declared municipalities-more than 5,000 families were affected. The enormity of this event was a stark reminder that flooding can take a devastating toll on local communities, one family at a time.
Last Modified: Friday, 10-Oct-2008 16:07:12 EDT