Governor Hochul Announces Support Following Devastating Flooding Caused by Hurricane Fiona

 

100 New York State Troopers Will Be Sent to Puerto Rico To Support Relief Efforts

State Agencies, New York's Building Trades, Private Sector Businesses and Community-Based Organizations Ready to Assist as Puerto Rico Experiences Tropical Storm Conditions and One Million Residents are Without Power

Potential for Life-Threatening and Catastrophic Flooding Continues in Southern and Eastern Parts of the Island in Worst Storm To Impact Puerto Rico since Hurricane Maria in 2017

Governor Hochul Remains in Contact with Puerto Rico Governor, Dominican Republic President, and Offers Full Support of State Agencies with Emergency Response Assets

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State actions to support Puerto Rico in the wake of devastating flooding and winds caused by Hurricane Fiona, the worst storm to hit the island since Hurricane Maria in 2017. Following a call with Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi, Governor Hochul directed the New York State Police to send 50 Troopers to assist with keeping residents safe, and 50 additional Troopers will be deployed in the coming weeks. The Governor also announced that the state has been working with Delta, JetBlue, Coca-Cola, New York State's Building Trades, the Greater New York Hospital Association, and SOMOS Community Care, who have all pledged their support for response and recovery efforts. Additionally, teams from the New York Power Authority are ready to deploy and assist in restoring power to the island.

"New York knows full well the devastating impact that Mother Nature can bring, and that is why we stand ready to help the people of Puerto Rico recover and rebuild from this terrible storm," Governor Hochul said. "Our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico are incredibly resilient but, in times like this, New York will be there to help in any way we can, including sending personnel and resources to help the island and its residents recover."

The Dominican Republic is also being impacted by Hurricane Fiona, and Governor Hochul remains in contact with the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, to support the country's relief efforts. Governor Hochul reiterated that the storm is not yet over, as its general motion northwest is expected to continue through this evening, before making a turn to the northeast later this week.

On Sunday, President Biden declared Hurricane Fiona an emergency, authorizing FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts. New York will work to support any requests coordinated by FEMA in the coming days to assist the residents of Puerto Rico. Delta and JetBlue will both donate cargo space and transport emergency personnel; the Greater New York Hospital Association will provide medical supplies; and Coca-Cola has committed water and additional supplies. Habitat for Humanity of New York City and Westchester County and the State's Building Trades also have committed their support as needs are identified.

Puerto Rico has seen rainfall from the storm totaling 12 to 20 inches, and up to 30 inches in some localized areas. These rainfall amounts are capable of producing life-threatening and catastrophic flooding. More than one million Puerto Ricans are currently without power as critical infrastructure systems have been damaged, and tropical storm conditions continue to impact the island.