Hurricane Beryl: Fema’s Response and Recovery Efforts

Hurricane Beryl made landfall in North Carolina on July 13, 2017, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to the southeastern United States. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) quickly responded to the disaster, mobilizing resources and personnel to assist affected communities.

Initial Response

Following the storm’s landfall, FEMA activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Washington, D.C. to coordinate its response. The agency quickly deployed teams to the affected areas, including Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams, FEMA Corps members, and personnel from the Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance (PA) programs.

FEMA also worked closely with state and local officials, as well as other federal agencies, to assess the damage and identify areas of need. The agency conducted damage assessments, enabled emergency declarations, and authorized federal assistance to support the state’s response efforts.

Individual Assistance

FEMA’s Individual Assistance program provided financial assistance to individuals and households affected by the storm. The program provided grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and other essential needs. FEMA also established Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in affected areas, where individuals could apply for assistance and receive information about available resources.

As of August 2017, FEMA had provided Individual Assistance grants to over 23,000 survivors, totaling more than $130 million.

Public Assistance

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provided funding to support the repair and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public buildings. The program also supported the repair of damaged agricultural equipment and infrastructure.

As of August 2017, FEMA had obligated more than $110 million in Public Assistance funding to support recovery efforts in North Carolina.

Long-Term Recovery

In addition to its immediate response efforts, FEMA worked with state and local officials to develop a long-term recovery plan. The plan, known as the Hurricane Beryl Recovery Plan, identified key priorities and strategies for rebuilding and recovering affected communities.

The plan focused on rebuilding infrastructure, promoting economic development, and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Conclusion

Hurricane Beryl caused significant damage and disruption to communities in North Carolina, but FEMA’s response and recovery efforts helped to mitigate the effects of the storm. The agency’s Individual Assistance and Public Assistance programs provided critical support to affected individuals and communities, and its long-term recovery plan helped to lay the foundation for a stronger, more resilient future.

As of today, the recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl are ongoing, and FEMA continues to work closely with state and local officials to ensure that affected communities receive the resources and support they need to recover and rebuild.