SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Federal assistance to survivors, municipality governments and Puerto Rico as a result of Hurricanes Irma and Maria now tops $1 billion less than three months after Maria’s landfall.
More than a million Puerto Rican residents registered for FEMA assistance. FEMA has provided funds to more than 366,000 families in Puerto Rico including:
- More than $259 million in financial assistance for rental, repair or to rebuild residences.
- More than $251 million for grants to repair or replace damaged personal property or to pay for disaster-related necessary expenses and other serious needs.
Other assistance provided also includes:
- More than $39 million of low-interest disaster loans provided to more than 880 survivors and 50 business owners through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
- More than $58,000 approved for Disaster Unemployment Assistance to 12,000 residents.
- More than 19,000 Blue Roofs installed.
- More than $1 million in flood insurance claims.
In addition, more than $470 million has been obligated in FEMA Public Assistance grants to provide emergency generators for critical facilities, and to reimburse municipalities for debris removal and other necessary government expenses related to life-safety missions. This includes:
- More than $53 million in debris removal costs.
- More than $417 million in other emergency protective measures.
For survivors who still need assistance, there are 28 Disaster Recovery Centers open in Puerto Rico where they can meet face-to-face with local, state, federal and voluntary officials.
For anyone with damages caused by Hurricanes Irma or Maria, who has not yet registered for federal assistance, FEMA extended the deadline to apply until March 20, 2018. Survivors can register by going online to disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-320-FEMA (3662). Those who need TTY assistance can call 800-462-7585.
For the most up-to-date information about the ongoing response and recovery activities, follow the FEMA Puerto Rico Facebook page at www.facebook.com/femapuertorico.