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 (English)
Created by FEMA, this handout provides a basic overview what to expect after you have applied for assistance.
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.
Disaster Recovery Centers
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. DRCs are set up in convenient areas after a disaster to make them easier to find.

A DRC may be able to help you:
- Apply for assistance. You may also Apply for FEMA Assistance online or Apply/Check your status by phone 1-800-621-3362.
- Learn more about disaster assistance programs.
- Learn the status of your FEMA application.
- Understand any letters you get from FEMA.
- Find housing and rental assistance information.
- Get answers to questions or resolve problems.
- Get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance.
- Learn about Small Business Administration (SBA) programs.
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.
American Red Cross Find an Open Shelter Tool
If an emergency has forced you to evacuate your home, the Red Cross may be able to help. Search for open American Red Cross shelters near you with the “Find an Open Shelter” Tool.

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.