State sends aid to Virgin Islands for storm recovery

Rhode Island Supports United States Virgin Islands Recovery

Help is on the way from Rhode Island to the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), which is still reeling from two hurricanes that hit last September.

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency is assisting the USVI in their ongoing efforts to reconnect their communications since Hurricanes Maria and Irma battered the area last September. 

RIEMA shipped six Rapid Emergency Satellite Communication systems to help bridge the gap in their network communications.

These portable units enable field personnel to be online and connected to the internet in a matter of minutes.

When the Category 4 and 5 hurricanes hit, many of the islands’ communication services were destroyed.

The hurricanes disrupted landline phones, internet connections and cell service.

These Rapid Emergency Satellite Communications systems will help people connect again.

“Rhode Islanders stand with our fellow citizens in the US Virgin Islands,” said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. “I’m glad that we’re able to support their recovery efforts.”

Rhode Island’s support is possible through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. EMAC is a nationally adopted mutual aid agreement among states to share resources during times of disaster.