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.
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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.
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In September 2017, the strong winds and heavy rains of hurricanes Irma and Maria shattered windows, damaged roofs and displaced many families from public housing complexes on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Through a collaborative effort, FEMA, the U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery and the Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA) are working to repair and rebuild public housing and community centers to better withstand future storms.
Press Release |
It has been nearly five years since hurricanes Irma and Maria impacted the U.S. Virgin Islands and the recovery continues. While many individuals, organizations, and federal agencies, including FEMA, helped to provide relief immediately after the disaster, there is still work to be done. Long-term recovery requires the continued coordination and collaboration among multiple federal partners.
Press Release |
FEMA’s role to support the U.S. Virgin Islands has been ongoing since Hurricane Irma made landfall on St. Thomas and St. John, September 6, 2017, and Hurricane Maria made landfall on St. Croix two weeks later, on September 19. FEMA recognizes the road to recovery requires a whole-community approach and is actively working with houses of worship to develop projects that strengthen resilience across the territory.
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PDFs, Graphics & Multimedia
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FEMA Media Relations Manager Alberto Pillot is interviewed
St. Thomas, USVI, Sep. 13, 2017--FEMA Media Relations Manager Alberto Pillot is interviewed by local CBS affiliate about FEMA's response to Hurricane Irma. FEMA/K.C. Wilsey
Transportation Security Administration agents unload generators
St. Thomas, USVI, Sep.15, 2017--Transportation Security Administration agents unload a shipment of much-needed generators at the Cyril E. King Airport. FEMA/K.C. Wilsey
VIPA Airport
Territorial Airport Manager Jerome Sheridan, of the V.I. Port Authority, (right) leads federal Air Operations and FEMA logistics on a walk-through in May of Cyril E. King Airport during a Readiness Initiative Capstone hurricane response functional exercise. FEMA/Eric Adams
Love City Strong Bunker
Love City Strong’s bunker on St. John is filled with tools, appliances, shelf-stable meals, boxed water and personal protective equipment to support the community with disaster response on the island. The challenges caused by the 2017 hurricanes led to the formation of Love City Strong, which supports the community with preparedness, response and recovery for all hazards on St. John. FEMA/K.C. Wilsey
Recovery Work Continues at Abraham School
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Feb. 3, 2022 -- A worker from Customs Builders focuses on repairs to a restroom the Gladys Abraham School. The school was damaged during hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017. The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Educaiton plans to move the Wheatley Skills Center to the site once it is repaired. FEMA, through its Public Assistance Program, is working on a project worksheet to reimburse the territory for repairs to the school. FEMA/Eric Adams
FEMA Branch Director Meets With Officials To Assess USVI Needs
St. Thomas, USVI, Sep. 13, 2017—FEMA Branch I Director Seamus Leary (3rd from right) meets with USACE Chief of Engineers LTG Todd Semonite (2nd from left), Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (3rd from left) and other personnel responding to the Hurricane Irma disaster in US Virgin Islands to assess immediate needs. FEMA/K.C. Wilsey.
Emergency Operations Center
St. Thomas, USVI, Sep. 13, 2017--Emergency responders at the Emergency Operations Center for the Virgin Islands Territory Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) man their stations in response to Hurricane Irma. FEMA/K.C. Wilsey
VA Task Force 1 in St. Croix, USVI
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, September 23, 2017 — Virginia Task Force 1 was on the scene in St. Croix to conduct a wide range of reconnaissance operations following hurricanes Irma and Maria. Virginia Task Force 1 is a team of emergency managers and planners, physicians and paramedics and includes specialists in structural engineering, heavy rigging, collapse rescue, logistics, hazardous materials, communications, canine and technical search. Photo/Virginia Task Force 1.
