Puerto Rico Severe Storm, Flooding, and Landslides

Page last updated: 05/23/2022

Overview

Puerto Rico Severe Storm, Flooding, and Landslides (DR-4649)

Puerto Rico was struck by a severe storm which brought flooding and landslides between February 4 and 6, 2022. On March 29, 2022, President Biden declared a major disaster.

People in the following Municipios are eligible to receive federal disaster assistance:

Catano
Dorado
Toa Baja
Vega Baja

Click here for the full whitehouse.gov press release.

April 20, 2022 – A free legal help hotline is now available for Puerto Rico Severe Storms survivors. The municipalities approved for this major disaster declaration are Cataño, Dorado, Toa Baja, Vega Alta, and Vega Baja. Survivors can call (800) 981-5342.

Hotline hours are 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

For more information on the hotline, please see the official press release. En Español.

Important Deadlines

FEMA Application Deadline

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

More Info

Appeal your FEMA decision letter

Within 60 days of the date on the determination letter.

FEMA Assistance

Applying for Assistance

Applications for FEMA Assistance can be submitted by:

Phone: Contact FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY users can call 1-800-462-7585.

Online: Fill out the application at DisasterAssistance.gov

In-Person: You can also fill out the application at a FEMA Disaster Resource Center (DRC).

Mobile Registration Intake Center: MRICs move around regularly. They will be in an area for a short period of time to help survivors who need registration help. Visit FEMA’s Disaster Declaration page to find more information about the Mobile Registration Intake Center locations and hours.

Disaster Recovery Center: To find a Disaster Recovery Center near you, use the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s DRC locator or text “DRC” and your zip code to 43362 (4FEMA) to locate a Disaster Recovery Center in your area.

FEMA Fact Sheet: Remote Inspections

Due to the COVID-19 nationwide emergency declared by Former President Trump and the need to protect the safety and health of all Americans; FEMA will conduct remote home inspections for disaster survivors until further notice.

This fact sheet provides information about that process. It includes links to PDF and plain text versions.

As of June 1, 2022, FEMA is beginning to transition back to in- home inspections. Remote inspections may still occur if conditions make them necessary again.

What to Expect After You Apply for FEMA Assistance

Created by FEMA, this handout provides a basic overview what to expect after you have applied for assistance.

also available in:

Español

What to Expect After You Apply for FEMA Assistance (Spanish)

Este folleto, creado por FEMA, brinda una descripción general básica de lo que puede esperar después de haber solicitado asistencia.

Resources

Safety and Shelter Resources

Please check your local news and local officials for the latest safety and shelter resources.

Access information on Safety and Shelter assistance through the resources below.

American Red Cross Disaster Relief & Recovery Services

Explore resources from the American Red Cross on how to stay safe and recover from a disaster.

Website

Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) Locator

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are accessible facilities and mobile offices you can visit to learn more about FEMA and other disaster assistance programs. You may also visit to ask questions about your case. The DRC Locator helps you find the hours, services, and locations of DRCs near you.

Website

American Red Cross Shelter Locator

If an emergency has forced you to evacuate your home, the Red Cross may be able to help. All Red Cross shelters are free, open to everyone, accessible to people with disabilities, and accepting of service animals.

Website

Legal Assistance

April 20, 2022 – A free legal help hotline is now available for Puerto Rico Severe Storms survivors. The hotline is available to connect survivors to free legal services in qualifying municipalities who cannot afford an attorney. The municipalities approved for this major disaster declaration are Cataño, Dorado, Toa Baja, Vega Alta, and Vega Baja. Survivors can call (800) 981-5342.

Hotline hours are 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

For more information on the hotline, please see the official press release. En Español.

Introducing: Disaster Legal Services

The American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division has teamed up with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create Disaster Legal Services (DLS) — a program designed to help survivors navigate the aftermath of presidentially- declared disasters. The DLS program provides immediate temporary legal assistance to disaster survivors—at no charge.

Issues where DLS can help include:

Insurance Claims
New Wills
Powers of Attorney
Other Legal Papers Lost During the Disaster
Problems with Landlords
FEMA Appeals
Home Repair Contracts and Contractor Fraud

Learn more through this short video.

Video

ABA YLD Disaster Legal Services Hotline

(888) 743-5749

To help meet the growing legal needs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division has teamed up with RingCentral Inc. to create a national hotline to connect the Disaster Legal Services Program (DLS) with those seeking civil legal services.

Organization

Puerto Rico Bar Association

(787) 721-3358

PO BOX 9021
San Juan PR 00908-0021

Professional association of lawyers.

Organization

Puerto Rico Legal Services, Inc.

(800) 981-5342

859 Avenue Ponce de Leon, Pda 26
Apartado 9134
San Juan, PR 00908

Provides free civil legal services to low-income people.

Organization