Predisaster Conditions, Hurricane Damage, and Themes for Recovery

In September 2017, Puerto Rico was struck by two major hurricanes—Irma and Maria—that intensified existing challenges in Puerto Rico’s health and social services infrastructure. In the aftermath, the government of Puerto Rico created a long-term recovery plan built on an evidence-based assessment of the damage from the hurricanes and the ongoing needs across Puerto Rico. Development of the recovery plan was supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, other federal agencies, local stakeholders, and analysis from the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center (HSOAC), operated by RAND Corporation under contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Author(s): Anita Chandra, Terry Marsh, Jaime Madrigano, Molly M. Simmons, Mahshid Abir, Edward W. Chan, Jamie Ryan, Nupur Nanda, Michelle D. Ziegler, Christopher Nelson