I agree the US Govt is responsible for some of the slow, inadequate response to the Puerto Rican hurricane disaster. But several other parties and factors contributed to the overall damage, loss of life, and frustratingly slow response and repair/ rebuild efforts. The article does fairly mention the other contributing factors. But the title focuses on FEMA as the culprit, instead of using a better descriptor such as ‘contributed greatly to problems in the response… ‘.
I see the lack of LOCAL preparedness as the greatest factor in the monumental losses in PR. Others, with a political agenda, will see it differently. The US Government is obligated to protect its people, but it cannot do so effectively without their cooperation in a joint effort to protect against Nat Cats.
I imagine that a lot of work goes into their plan each year, including where to find people to assist in the disaster event. Who knew that there would be 3 disasters like last year, plus a fire. If FEMA planned and paid for people for 4 events each year, they’d be criticized for wasting resources.
Aren’t they just ending the hotels in the USA for all the Puerto Ricans who came here after H.Maria? I think FEMA did a decent job given the circumstances. Remember it is a government agency.
A huge factor was that a very large % of the structures were built almost as shacks and or not complying with building codes. these are much more vulnerable to an extent not seen with properly built structures.
According to the GAO report, “FEMA efforts in Puerto Rico alone
were the largest and longest single response in the agency’s history. As of April
2018, FEMA had obligated over $12 billion for response and recovery for
Hurricane Maria.” The three hurricanes last year – Harvey, Irma, and Maria – already are ranked in the top 5 costliest U.S. hurricanes on record. Keep that in perspective. Maria came last, hitting an island 1,000 miles from the mainland, in a territory woefully unprepared for a Cat 5 hurricane.
Wired Magazine wrote an excellent article about on-the-ground factors in Puerto Rico before and during Maria. This was the “perfect storm” that exposed years of financial decline and corruption. Highly recommended: https://www.wired.com/story/puerto-rico-hurricane-maria-recovery/
I agree the US Govt is responsible for some of the slow, inadequate response to the Puerto Rican hurricane disaster. But several other parties and factors contributed to the overall damage, loss of life, and frustratingly slow response and repair/ rebuild efforts. The article does fairly mention the other contributing factors. But the title focuses on FEMA as the culprit, instead of using a better descriptor such as ‘contributed greatly to problems in the response… ‘.
I see the lack of LOCAL preparedness as the greatest factor in the monumental losses in PR. Others, with a political agenda, will see it differently. The US Government is obligated to protect its people, but it cannot do so effectively without their cooperation in a joint effort to protect against Nat Cats.
Just to be clear, the headline does say a lack of planning hurt the effort.
I imagine that a lot of work goes into their plan each year, including where to find people to assist in the disaster event. Who knew that there would be 3 disasters like last year, plus a fire. If FEMA planned and paid for people for 4 events each year, they’d be criticized for wasting resources.
Aren’t they just ending the hotels in the USA for all the Puerto Ricans who came here after H.Maria? I think FEMA did a decent job given the circumstances. Remember it is a government agency.
I was referring to Puerto Rico, which seemed unprepared. I wasn’t clear on that.
A huge factor was that a very large % of the structures were built almost as shacks and or not complying with building codes. these are much more vulnerable to an extent not seen with properly built structures.
This is a part of what I was alluding to in regard to lack of preparation by Puerto Rico officials.
According to the GAO report, “FEMA efforts in Puerto Rico alone
were the largest and longest single response in the agency’s history. As of April
2018, FEMA had obligated over $12 billion for response and recovery for
Hurricane Maria.” The three hurricanes last year – Harvey, Irma, and Maria – already are ranked in the top 5 costliest U.S. hurricanes on record. Keep that in perspective. Maria came last, hitting an island 1,000 miles from the mainland, in a territory woefully unprepared for a Cat 5 hurricane.
Wired Magazine wrote an excellent article about on-the-ground factors in Puerto Rico before and during Maria. This was the “perfect storm” that exposed years of financial decline and corruption. Highly recommended: https://www.wired.com/story/puerto-rico-hurricane-maria-recovery/