By The Star Staff
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced Wednesday that federal disaster assistance is available to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Tropical Storm Ernesto beginning Aug. 13, 2024, and continuing.
President Joe Biden’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe. The assistance is for all 78 municipalities in Puerto Rico.
Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, under the public assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding.
Robert Little III has been named federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
Ernesto strengthened into a hurricane as it passed northeast of Puerto Rico on Wednesday morning. It brought about 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain and flash floods to parts of the island facing the storm, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. The rainfall added to ground already soggy from multiple downpours in the past month.
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