Scoop: A top FEMA official overseeing preparedness efforts in Puerto Rico told staff: It’s amazing...after all the time, energy, money, training we’ve gone through the last couple years down there that their situation is as dire as it is from an emergency operations perspective.
That’s according to an internal document I obtained dated 7.16.20.
That assessment was made by Thomas Von Essen, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 2 which includes PR.
Von Essen went on to say: from the people’s perspective, they really need our help if something happens.
That assessment was made by Thomas Von Essen, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 2 which includes PR.
Von Essen went on to say: from the people’s perspective, they really need our help if something happens.
He comments come as we are in the middle of hurricane season.
FEMA is sending a field operations division to do a preparedness project at the Puerto Rico emergency management bureau that, according to the internal document: is expected to expand the agency’s capability to operate more effectively during an emergency.
Puerto Rico native Tito Hernandez will be leading that team of emergency management responders. Essentially, they’re going to be running the islands emergency management operations for the time being, according to a source within FEMA.
Regional administrator Von Essen also told staff, according to this internal document, that “we told the Govenror we have no confidence in the director of public safety.”
Pedro Janer is Puerto Rico’s Secretary of Public Safety. His media spokeswoman said he would have no comment because he hasn’t seen the document.
Janer’s spokesperson also says Nino Correa, who’s currently acting commissioner of PR’s Emergency Management Bureau “has the complete trust of Secretary Janer & Governor Wanda Vazquez, to manage ongoing declared emergencies & any possible emergencies during this Hurricane Season”
Correa, I’m told by at least one FEMA source, is well liked but lacks the disaster management experience that is required of someone in his position, which is why FEMA is going to step in to help him and his team out.
