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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsVirgin Islands lack supplies for second hurricane pummeling
By SARAH FERRIS 09/18/2017 07:29 PM EDT
Still in a state of near-total destruction from Hurricane Irma this month, the U.S. Virgin Islands are now bracing for another major storm and may be woefully unprepared.
As much as 20 inches of rain could pound the islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John over the next two days, prompting President Donald Trump to declare a state of emergency on Monday. FEMA officials warn of potentially life-threatening flash floods and mudslides that could last through the weekend. But the Caribbean island chain is short on crucial supplies as Hurricane Maria approaches, according to internal briefing documents obtained by POLITICO.
There are supplies that are literally out to sea right now that are not being brought in, FEMA spokesman Don Caetano said by phone from St. Croix on Monday. Had Maria not been a factor, those supplies would have been there already.
As of Monday morning, Virgin Islands officials had received none of the 29 generators ordered. About 15,000 sheeting covers were delivered for protecting homes, of more than 135,000 requested. And a dozen shelter kits arrived, of more than 58 ordered with supplies like clothing, medical equipment and hygiene items.
The territory is also short about 400,000 meals, of 2 million ordered. Out of 450 cots requested, 300 are available.
more
http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/18/hurricane-maria-virgin-islands-irma-242862?lo=ap_e1
greymattermom
(5,754 posts)send in the cruise ships. These are islands.
malaise
(269,219 posts)Nearly every roof in Dominica is off including the hospital and the official residence of the Prime Minister.
dhill926
(16,372 posts)man....those poor people....