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12 411/412-18 427-18 Tropical Storms Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico and the USVI

DRO’s 411/412 were for Irma, plus 427 was for T.S. Maria in Puerto Rico.

FEMA Irma (PR) – DR-4336-PR, USVI – DR-4335-VI

FEMA Maria (PR) – DR-4339-PR, USVI – DR-4340-VI 

The year 2017 was a massively busy hurricane season in the United States. You could blame it on ‘H.I.M.’ – Harvey, Irma, and Maria.

From Google Gemini (Deep Research):

The Multifaceted Impacts of the 2017 Hurricane Season on the United States and its Territories

The year 2017 witnessed an exceptionally active Atlantic hurricane season, marked by the devastating landfalls of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. These powerful storms left an indelible mark on the United States, including the territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, causing widespread destruction, significant economic disruption, and profound social consequences. This report examines the immediate and long-term impacts of these three hurricanes across the affected regions.

Hurricane Harvey: Catastrophic Flooding in Texas and Louisiana

Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the Texas coast in August 2017 as a Category 4 hurricane before weakening to a tropical storm that lingered over the region for several days 1. The most catastrophic aspect of Harvey was the unprecedented rainfall, making it the wettest storm system on record in the United States, with some areas receiving approximately 50 inches of rain 1. This torrential rainfall led to catastrophic flooding in Greater Houston and Southeast Texas, as well as parts of Louisiana 2.

The immediate impacts of the flooding were immense. Hundreds of thousands of homes were inundated, displacing over 30,000 people and prompting more than 17,000 rescues 2. The Houston metro area experienced what was described as its third 500-year flood in three years, with many parts of the city seeing unprecedented water levels that damaged approximately 80,000 structures 4. Controlled releases from the Addicks and Barker reservoirs west of Houston further exacerbated the flooding and displacement 4. Areas along the San Jacinto River experienced record flooding, with water levels reaching the second floor of homes in some locations 3. In Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency for the entire state, with mandatory and voluntary evacuations ordered in several parishes 2.

Beyond residential areas, Hurricane Harvey caused extensive infrastructure damage. An estimated $669 million in damage was inflicted on public property in Texas, including government buildings, roads, bridges, water facilities, and electric utilities 5. The storm also severely impacted the transportation infrastructure, with roadways becoming impassable due to flooding 6. The energy sector, particularly the oil and gas industry, faced significant disruptions. Texas accounts for a substantial portion of the nation’s petroleum and gas exports and refining capacity, and Harvey forced the shutdown of approximately 25 percent of oil and gas production in the region, affecting about 5 percent of nationwide output 7. Several refineries along the Gulf Coast operated at reduced rates or were shut down due to the storm, leading to concerns about gasoline shortages and price hikes across the country 7.

The agricultural sector in Texas also suffered considerable losses. Crop and livestock losses were estimated at over $200 million, with cotton farmers being particularly hard-hit 5. Food warehouses and transportation routes were damaged, raising concerns about food supply and safety 12. The coastal tourism industry experienced crippling damages, especially in areas like Rockport-Fulton, where winter tourism was estimated to be down by 50 percent 5. Overall, the total cost of Hurricane Harvey is estimated to be $125 billion to $155 billion, making it one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history 1.

While the immediate aftermath was devastating, the long-term economic impact on Texas was complex. Initial estimates suggested a significant decrease in gross state product (GSP) due to lost business productivity 11. However, these losses were expected to be largely offset by the economic activity generated by reconstruction and repair efforts, along with an influx of federal aid and insurance payments 9. While some industries, such as tourism and certain manufacturing sectors, faced prolonged disruptions, the diverse and resilient nature of the Texas economy was expected to lead to a recovery over time 11.

Hurricane Irma: Wide-Ranging Impacts Across Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands

Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida in September 2017 as a powerful Category 4 hurricane after causing significant damage in the Caribbean, including the U.S. Virgin Islands 15. Unlike Harvey, Irma’s primary impact in Florida stemmed from its extreme winds, although significant flooding also occurred in some areas 7.

The immediate effects in Florida included widespread building damage. In the Florida Keys, approximately 65 percent of homes suffered major damage, and about 25 percent were destroyed 15. Across West Central and Southwest Florida, over 65,000 structures were damaged or destroyed 16. Heavy tree and fence damage was widespread throughout the state 19. The power grid sustained significant damage, leading to the largest power outage related to a tropical cyclone in U.S. history, with over 7.7 million homes and businesses without power at some point 15. Restoration efforts took weeks in some areas 20. Transportation systems were also heavily impacted. Major airports were closed, leading to thousands of flight cancellations, and roadways experienced gridlock due to large-scale evacuations 16. Several seaports were also shut down 16.

The U.S. Virgin Islands experienced catastrophic damage from Hurricane Irma before it reached Florida. The storms decimated the territory’s energy system, destroying a vast majority of aerial cables and utility poles, as well as damaging power generation capacity 22. Virtually all residents were without power for at least four days, and many faced outages for months 22. A significant portion of the housing stock was damaged, with a notable percentage experiencing severe damage 22. The airport was closed for three weeks, disrupting transportation and the delivery of essential supplies 22.

The long-term social impacts of Hurricane Irma were considerable in both Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In Florida, while immediate displacement was significant with hundreds of thousands seeking shelter, the long-term displacement figures are less readily available in the provided materials 16. However, the extensive housing damage, particularly in the Florida Keys, likely led to prolonged displacement for many residents 15. The healthcare system in Florida faced immediate challenges due to power outages and infrastructure damage, but the provided snippets do not detail significant long-term healthcare shortages or population shifts directly attributable to Irma 15. However, there is evidence of long-term mental health consequences, with increased new visits for trauma-related disorders 28.

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, the long-term social impacts were more pronounced. The extensive damage to housing and infrastructure led to significant and prolonged displacement 24. The healthcare system, already facing pre-storm challenges, was severely strained by the damage to facilities and the outmigration of healthcare professionals, leading to long-term shortages, particularly in mental health and specialty care 30. Demographic shifts occurred as a result of outmigration, leaving a remaining population that was disproportionately elderly, disabled, and economically disadvantaged 30. The psychological toll of the hurricanes was substantial, with high levels of anxiety, depression, and PTSD reported among residents, including students and teachers 24.

Hurricane Maria: Catastrophic Devastation in Puerto Rico and Further Damage to the U.S. Virgin Islands

Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico in September 2017 as a high-end Category 4 hurricane, causing catastrophic devastation across the entire island 34. The U.S. Virgin Islands, still reeling from Hurricane Irma, also experienced further damage from Maria 22.

In Puerto Rico, Hurricane Maria completely destroyed the island’s power grid, leaving all 3.4 million residents without electricity, resulting in the worst electrical blackout in US history, which persisted for several months 34. Communication networks were crippled, with the vast majority of cell networks and phone and internet cables knocked out 34. Essential services were severely disrupted, with limited access to tap water, widespread lack of cell phone service, and hospitals relying on backup generators 34. An estimated 300,000 homes were destroyed, and many more were damaged 34. The infrastructure collapse hindered rescue and relief efforts, contributing to a major humanitarian crisis 34.

The U.S. Virgin Islands, particularly St. Croix, also suffered significant infrastructure damage from Hurricane Maria, exacerbating the damage already inflicted by Irma 22. While the power plants fared relatively well, a large percentage of the power transmission and distribution systems were damaged, leading to prolonged outages 22. Communication networks also experienced further disruption 36.

The long-term economic recovery of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria has been fraught with challenges. The island’s pre-existing economic vulnerabilities, including high debt and a declining economy, were significantly compounded by the storm 30. While billions of dollars in federal funding have been allocated for recovery, the actual disbursement and utilization of these funds have been slow due to factors such as limited institutional capacity, difficulties in reaching agreements with FEMA, increased project costs, and challenges in procuring resources 44. The focus on rebuilding a more resilient infrastructure, including the electricity grid and water systems, requires substantial long-term investment and strategic planning 37. Economic diversification is also considered crucial for the island’s long-term sustainability 43.

The U.S. Virgin Islands also faces considerable challenges in its long-term economic recovery. The territory’s dependence on tourism makes it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of hurricanes 47. Restoring the tourism sector by repairing and rebuilding hotels and encouraging visitors is a key priority 47. Similar to Puerto Rico, the USVI has received federal funding for recovery, but faces barriers related to management capacity, fiscal constraints, workforce shortages, and supply chain limitations 32. Diversifying the economy beyond tourism is also a consideration for long-term resilience 47.

Comparison of Impacts: Harvey, Irma, and Maria

While all three hurricanes caused significant damage and disruption, their primary impacts differed based on their characteristics and the vulnerabilities of the affected regions 50. Hurricane Harvey was characterized by unprecedented rainfall and prolonged flooding, primarily affecting Texas and Louisiana 1. The damage was widespread and long-lasting due to the slow recession of floodwaters 18. Hurricane Irma’s main impact in Florida was from high winds, although flooding also occurred 7. The U.S. Virgin Islands, however, experienced severe damage from both wind and storm surge from Irma 15. Hurricane Maria inflicted the most catastrophic and prolonged damage, particularly on Puerto Rico, due to its intensity as a high-end Category 4 storm that directly impacted the entire island 34. The collapse of critical infrastructure, especially the power grid and communication networks, distinguished Maria’s impact from that of Harvey and Irma 34. The recovery process in Puerto Rico has also been considerably slower and more challenging compared to Texas and Florida 44.

The 2017 hurricane season also exposed different aspects of risk in supply chains 50. Harvey highlighted the vulnerability of transportation networks to flooding, Irma revealed the limitations of transit corridors for fuel distribution, and Maria underscored the fragility of isolated island infrastructure and the challenges of import and reconstruction logistics 50.

Policy Changes in Disaster Preparedness and Response

The experiences of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria have prompted discussions and some policy changes in disaster preparedness and response at various levels 53. FEMA has focused on improving equity in disaster assistance delivery, including more flexibility in proving home ownership and occupancy 53. The agency has also been working to streamline the process for providing Public Assistance funding, particularly in complex recovery efforts like that in Puerto Rico 53. The importance of pre-disaster mitigation and building resilient infrastructure has been emphasized 53. Lessons learned from the storms have highlighted the need for better coordination among federal, state, and local agencies, as well as with the private sector and voluntary organizations 50. The healthcare sector has also recognized the need to improve emergency preparedness plans and establish integrated plans between relevant parties 54. Furthermore, there is a growing recognition of the importance of addressing social determinants of health in the recovery process to build more resilient communities 54.

Conclusion

The 2017 hurricane season brought unprecedented challenges to the United States and its territories. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria each left a trail of destruction, causing significant loss of life, widespread damage to infrastructure and property, and substantial economic and social disruption. While the immediate impacts varied depending on the storm’s characteristics and the affected region’s vulnerabilities, the long-term recovery efforts continue to face numerous hurdles, particularly in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The lessons learned from these devastating events have underscored the critical need for robust disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure, equitable recovery strategies, and a sustained commitment to building back stronger and better to mitigate the impacts of future extreme weather events.

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I did not deploy for Harvey, but I did send volunteer and paid staff leaders to Houston. Again, not my story to tell. One of our new Red Cross leaders, AM, actually left her leadership position in New Jersey to take on the long-term recovery work needed in Puerto Rico. This is the same person who was leading the housing task force for Sandy, for the state. That is commitment to the people you lead and serve.

For Irma, I deployed to NWS Earle to support FEMANWS for the week between Irma and Maria. Thus the multiple DRO numbers. On the books, I served on the DRO for Irma, but the work was pre-Maria. We had something similar happen during Irene in New Jersey, there was another tropical storm (Lee) which came up to New Jersey right after Irene struck, which added more work – and unfortunately flooding and destruction, as well – and for New Jersey, FEMA combined those storms together.

At Region 2’s Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) which is located in Colts Neck, New Jersey, they coordinate the federal assistance needed in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Those two territories, along with New York and New Jersey are what makes up Region 2. The FEMA Region which supports Florida (Region 4) could not handle the same storms which usually strike both geographies, so that’s why there is a split on the Federal side. For the Red Cross, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are combined into a Region itself, which is part of the Southeast and Caribbean Division (which also has Florida). New Jersey is in the Northeast Division.

map of the Red Cross Puerto Rico Region which also includes the U.S. Virgin Islands
Source: American Red Cross

For the Red Cross’ perspective, their capabilities on-island were their biggest concern. Safety of their own workforce was – as it should be – a top priority.  This was true for FEMA folks, too. If people were brought in and needed to be evacuated out between these two storms, that included every partner who was involved: from the USDA to HUD to the Red Cross and more.

For both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Red Cross does not provide Mass Care. They do support Blood Services, though. With power outages, the Red Cross in Puerto Rico has a blood storage facility which runs on a generator. Getting fuel post-storm is a critical function for them, and one thing we could do with our 1600-mile screwdriver, is try to help from New Jersey.

Lessons Learned

I learned the Red Cross does not provide mass care support – including sheltering – in either Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. This and all the other aspects of disaster support in the U.S. Territories were all ‘Pink Slices’ for me.

I learned that diesel fuel can be ‘liquid gold’ on an island – that was the biggest challenge I had: getting a clear picture of who had it and who in the Red Cross needed it and where.

I learned that not all tropical storms which hit Puerto Rico, strike the same in the U.S. Virgin Islands (and vice-versa). That was evident by the massive number of deaths and devastation from Maria in Puerto Rico (10 times as much as in the U.S. Virgin Islands), and how the recorded damage from Irma in the U.S. Virgin Islands was much more than it was in Puerto Rico.

Total Public and Individual Assistance Irma Maria
Puerto Rico $23,942,780.98 $20,619,528,278.33
U.S. Virgin Islands $109,691,661.17 $2,969,388,901.18

Lessons Applied

  • While not a lesson directly applied by me, FEMA did learn and fix the problem of being challenged to get to these islands right after the storm strikes. They built up facilities which can support their staff, and set themselves days before landfall. The hurricane predictions have become more detailed and accurate, since then (and even 2017’s storm season was better than what it was for 2012). Since Maria, FEMA has been activating both its RRCC staff and its teams downrange much earlier than it did before. This is a good thing for everyone.
  • I learned that while the Red Cross is not involved in Sheltering as I noted above, the Puerto Rican governmental departments which do run their shelters does a great job of providing demographic information on the clients in these shelters. Much better than we do in the Continental United States, in my opinion. I had age band data on a daily basis.
  • I learned from this storm to be much better tuned in to the DRO(s) set up on the islands, if any. While I act as a government liaison with FEMA, I am part of their team at the RRCC, but it is much harder to be part of a team which is over 1600 miles away. This is important because they do not evaluate non-FEMA partners for promotion to other incident command roles at the RRCC, so the evals have to come on the Red Cross side. After Maria, I feel there is much more I need to understand about island threats and hazards – and what leaders can do to make it safer for their workforce and more productive for the clients we serve. I am still applying this aspect of this lesson learned, even today.

 

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