January 16, 2020

Contact: Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs Division

Phone: 202-646-3444

Advisory

Puerto Rico Managed, Federally-Supported Earthquake Response Efforts Continue

• FEMA and its federal partners continue to assist impacted municipalities by addressing emergent needs.
• Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau (PREMB) is coordinating with the Puerto Rico National Guard and volunteer agencies to help assess requirements to establish survivor base camps to meet immediate sheltering requirements. FEMA is working closely with Puerto Rico officials for any requests for assistance needed to support these facilities.
• Additionally, FEMA is in close coordination with PREMB to ensure sufficient commodities are available and replenished at distribution centers, and to support Puerto Rico’s execution of structural assessments for public and private buildings.
• Shelters and feeding stations are available in the impacted area. Call the Puerto Rico Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Bureau at 787-724-0124 if you need assistance in finding these locations.
• The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) forecasts a 56% probability of a Magnitude 5 earthquake in the next seven days. Continued aftershocks are expected after a strong earthquake.
• These aftershocks may cause anxiety or stress. If you are feeling anxious, you can call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 (for Spanish, press 2 or text Hablanos to 66746, or 800-846-8517 (TTY). The Puerto Rico Administration of Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services Crisis Hotline is also available at 800-981-0023.
• The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) has been activated for Puerto Rico. EPAP allows uninsured patients affected by the earthquake to receive a 30-day prescription refill and other medical services or equipment at no cost. Find a nearby enrolled EPAP pharmacy on the HSS Enrolled Pharmacy page.
• For people looking to donate to support survivors, financial contributions are the most efficient method of donating. Donate through a trusted organization: find one at www.nvoad.org/.

Local Officials are Leading the Response

• Currently, more than 40 shelters are open with approximately 7,500 occupants, which includes those staying in non-traditional shelters due to concerns about aftershocks.
• The Puerto Rico National Guard is assisting with operations including limited infrastructure assessment security/reconnaissance operations, evacuation support, and route clearance operations. Additional teams are en route to assist.
• According to PREPA officials, more than 99 percent of customers have power, although rolling blackouts may continue. Power outages will continue for customers in Guanica, Guayanilla and Yauco who suffered damage and cannot currently receive power until their homes are inspected and repaired.
• If you have a question about whether your home is safe to re-enter, consult your local government officials.

Federal Agencies Supporting Local Efforts

• On Jan. 7, President Trump approved an emergency declaration allowing direct federal assistance for emergency measures to protect lives, property and public health after the recent series of earthquakes. This assistance is for all 78 Puerto Rico municipalities.
• The whole community is involved with response efforts, including well over 100 private sector partners and non-governmental organizations engaged.
• FEMA has taken the following actions to support Puerto Rico and local governments:
  • FEMA delivered food, water and other commodities to survivors in impacted communities.
  • Urban Search and Rescue and Incident Support Base personnel are actively engaged in operations.
• FEMA is fully committed to providing accessible preparedness, response and recovery information to the whole community and takes its responsibility to meet the needs of the deaf community very seriously.
• USGS deployed six temporary seismometers along the coast adjacent to where the earthquakes have occurred.
• A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Temporary Emergency Power Team is in Puerto Rico; equipment mobilization started Sunday. A USACE Prime Power team is conducting assessments for generator installs where required. On Saturday, through a mission assignment, USACE completed inspections of nine fire stations and FEMA facilities impacted by the earthquake.
• Representatives of the U.S. Department of Energy are in Puerto Rico consulting with private sector partners on ways to increase power generation after the loss of the Costa Sur power plant, which will be offline for a significant period of time.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar declared a public health emergency in Puerto Rico to ensure health care and services are available to meet the needs of recipients of Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
  • A liaison from the Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response is in Puerto Rico to assist local officials.
  • Staff from the Center for Disease Control are in Puerto Rico coordinating with local partners to assess conditions.

Earthquake Safety

• If you are in the areas affected by the earthquake, please monitor local radio, TV stations or official social media accounts for updated emergency information.
• The USGS forecasts that number of aftershocks will decrease in frequency over the next 30 days, but that a large aftershock can cause a temporary increase in subsequent aftershocks.
• These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake, but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.
  • During an earthquake, Drop, Cover and Hold On. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place.
  • If you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe. Cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow until the shaking stops.
  • People with mobility disabilities who cannot drop, should still cover and hold on. People who use wheelchairs should lock their wheels and not try to transfer during shaking.
• Check on neighbors who may require assistance such as infants, children, older adults, people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.
• Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise immediately move away from the area. If you know how to turn the gas off, do so and report the leak to your local fire department and gas company.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of External Affairs, Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs Division at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-IGA@fema.dhs.gov.

FEMA’s mission is to help people before, during and after disasters.

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