American Red Cross responds to Hurricane Fiona
September 22, 2022

The Red Cross has responded to Hurricane Fiona from Puerto Rico.

Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle decides to take a different route to assess damages in Salinas, Puerto Rico. Photo by Isaac León Vales/American Red Cross

Here's the latest:

• Hurricane Fiona hit Puerto Rico with 75 mph winds and heavy rain, knocking out power to the entire island. Some areas could see as much as 30 inches of rain before the storm moves away from Puerto Rico and flooding, mudslides and debris are making it difficult to restore power and assess the damage. Hundreds have been evacuated and people are being urged to move to higher ground now.

• The American Red Cross has disaster teams on the ground in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to help people impacted by Hurricane Fiona which has caused disastrous flooding, landslides and left much of the island of Puerto Rico without power. Over 100 Puerto Rican Red Cross volunteers are active now. Three staff members from the Tennessee Region have been deployed. More volunteers will be deployed as the need arises.

• Fiona also passed over the U.S. Virgin Islands with heavy rain and 45 mph winds. Many are without power and the main hospital and 911 Center are operating with generator power. The Red Cross has disaster teams on the islands ready to offer help and comfort to those affected by this massive storm as soon as it is safe to do so.

• In Puerto Rico, the government opens and manages emergency shelters. Reports indicate more than 120 shelters are open, many in schools powered by solar micro-grid power systems installed with a Red Cross contribution after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in 2017. The American Red Cross is supporting shelters and providing services to families there.

• Trained Red Cross disaster workers are working on damage assessment now. Red Crossers are working with officials and the community to determine what additional help is needed. It’s important to remember that responding to disasters is a team effort and no single organization can do it alone — the Red Cross will coordinate with officials and emergency management to help those affected.