-- Soon after hurricanes Irma and Maria swept through the territory in 2017, members of local community groups, faith-based, community-based organizations and nongovernmental organizations collaborated to establish long-term recovery groups on St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. Long-term recovery groups are responsible for helping address unmet needs of eligible disaster survivors after they have maximized state and federal funds available to them.
News and Media: Disaster 4335
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Press Releases & Fact Sheets
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Since hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2017, FEMA has focused much of its efforts on assisting with a number of projects to reduce risks and hazards against future incidents and disasters.
Press Release |
In September 2017, the heavy rain and strong winds of hurricanes Irma and Maria significantly damaged U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health (VIDOH) facilities across the territory. These two Category 5 storms caused catastrophic structural damage. Many buildings sustained roof damage and were left flooded and ridden by mold. Some structures had to be demolished to prepare for temporary facility construction.
Press Release |
Substantial progress has been made to create more resilient power grids throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands since hurricanes Irma and Maria left thousands of homes, businesses and critical facilities such as hospitals without power five years ago.
Press Release |
Parks and public libraries serve communities throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands by providing a source for recreation, community, education and historical and cultural environments. An interruption in operations at these facilities can disrupt many routines and a closure of public libraries can limit and often times prevent a student’s ability to perform their schoolwork without a dedicated, structured environment.
Press Release |
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FEMA Interagency Recovery Coordination, Finance and the Virgin Islands Caribbean Area Office
FEMA Interagency Recovery Coordination, Finance and the Virgin Islands Caribbean Area Office gather with partners from the U.S. Economic Development Administration during a workshop for small and minority businesses last week at the Albert A. Sheen campus of the University of the Virgin Islands on St. Croix. FEMA/Marisa Allen
St. Thomas Lighthouse Mission Building
Southgate Baptist Church completed hurricane repairs to its church in Estate Southgate and soup kitchen and community center, Lighthouse Mission, in Christiansted. FEMA will reimburse Southgate Baptist Church about $242,500 for repairs to its facilities, which were damaged by Hurricane Maria in September 2017. FEMA/Angelique Smythe
St. Thomas Lighthouse Mission Building
Southgate Baptist Church completed repairs to its Lighthouse Mission and continues to serve meals and support the community in Christiansted. FEMA will reimburse Southgate about $242,500 for hurricane repairs to its church and mission. Both sites were damaged by Hurricane Maria in September 2017.
FEMA/Yolanda Brannigan-Hodge
FEMA Leaders and VITEMA
St. Thomas, USVI, Sep. 13, 2017—FEMA leadership, along with members of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and territorial governmental partners meet to discuss Hurricane Irma response operations and assess immediate needs. FEMA/K.C. Wilsey
St. John Residents at a distribution center
St. John, USVI, Sep. 16, 2017-- Residents at a distribution center set up by the Virgin Islands National Guard learn how to register for disaster assistance ten days after Hurricane Irma devastated the island. FEMA/K.C. Wilsey
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team talking to a survivor in St. Thomas
St. Thomas, USVI, Sep.15, 2017-- FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team member Andrea Floyd helps a 79-year-old resident register for disaster assistance at the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands after Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm, devastated the island. FEMA/K.C. Wilsey
Downed utility poles on Smith Bay Road in Charlotte Amalie
St. Thomas, USVI, Sep.15, 2017--Downed utility poles on Smith Bay Road in Charlotte Amalie are evidence of the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma. FEMA/K.C. Wilsey
St. Thomas USVI The Global Life Church
St. Thomas, USVI, Sep.15, 2017--The Global Life Church sustained severe damage from Hurricane Irma. FEMA/K.C. Wilsey
Government House on St. Thomas
FEMA Disability Integration provided support for accessible elements to improve physical access to Government House on St. Thomas. This facility will include two platform lifts and an accessible elevator.
FEMA/Eric Adams
Adrian Senior Center at George Simmons Terrace in Estate Adrian on St. John
FEMA Disability Integration provided recommendations to improve the accessibility of the kitchen and restroom of the Adrian Senior Center at George Simmons Terrace in Estate Adrian on St. John. The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Human Services provides community programs to St. John’s elderly population at the senior center. FEMA/Eric Adams
