SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- As Hurricane Erin intensifies to Category 5 strength, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stands ready to bring the “flood fight” to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Under the authority of Public Law 84-99, the Corps of Engineers Caribbean District provides both technical expertise and direct assistance to territorial partners, helping safeguard lives, property, and critical infrastructure. District personnel can rapidly mobilize once a flood emergency is declared, and local and territorial resources become overwhelmed.
In anticipation of Hurricane Erin, the Caribbean District has proactively pre-staged Flood Fight Materials (FFM) to enable swift response.
In St. Croix, USVI, approximately 50,000 sandbags and 25 rolls of polyethylene sheeting are ready for immediate deployment. In Ponce, Puerto Rico, the same quantities of sandbags and sheeting are joined by 60 HESCO gabion baskets, providing up to 900 linear feet of temporary flood protection. These resources are strategically positioned to allow for expedited release upon request by territorial authorities, supplementing local actions and reinforcing community resilience.
“Our Flood Fight mission is unique,” said Patricia Fontanet-Rodriguez, Chief of Emergency Management. “We don’t need a disaster declaration to act. If we see a threat developing, we can step in with technical assistance, supplies, and boots on the ground. In the Virgin Islands, the terrain and infrastructure make flood risks especially acute. You’ve got steep hills, limited drainage, and coastal exposure. Even a few inches of rain can overwhelm the system. That’s why we’re here – to help the territory stay ahead of the danger.”
The Corps’ Flood Fight mission is distinct from Emergency Support Function #3 (ESF #3), which requires FEMA activation. Army Corps support under PL 84-99 can begin when rising waters pose a serious threat.
The Corps’ Flood Fight program is part of a national effort to reduce flood risk and protect communities. Across the country, the Corps supports levee inspections, conducts hydrologic and geotechnical investigations, and provides emergency contracting for temporary protective measures. In Puerto Rico, this authority was used to great effect after Hurricane Maria, when the Yauco River overflowed into the Lucchetti community. The Corps awarded a $1.68 million contract for the construction of a temporary levee, with crews mobilized within four days of the award.
In the Virgin Islands, the Corps works closely with the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) to identify high-risk areas and coordinate response strategies. Annual meetings between SAA-EM and VITEMA leadership help identify gaps in territorial capabilities and explore how the Corps can support before, during, and after an event.
Fontanet-Rodriguez also emphasized the importance of ongoing community engagement in the flood fight mission. “Everyone has a role in response and recovery: Federal, territorial, local, nonprofit, faith-based, business, and citizens. When we engage the whole community, we strengthen what works and empower people to protect what matters most.”
As Tropical Storm Erin approaches, the Corps remains embedded in the emergency planning efforts for both Puerto Rico and the USVI. “Our presence is not just reactive; it’s a reflection of long-standing partnerships, shared goals, and a commitment to resilience,” Fontanet-Rodriguez said.
Leveraging engineering expertise, logistical coordination, and on-the-ground support, the Corps of Engineers Caribbean District is helping our Caribbean partners prepare for and respond to Hurricane Erin. We are building resilience through collaboration.