The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a disaster declaration for St. Croix on Aug. 18, 2024, clearing the way for federal funding to support recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Ernesto, which affected the territory from Aug. 13 to Aug. 16.
The declaration, formally designated as EM-3611-VI, activates FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which reimburses state and local governments, nonprofit organizations and utilities for debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to public infrastructure damaged during the storm.
While St. Thomas and St. John escaped the worst impacts of Ernesto, the storm highlights the territory’s ongoing vulnerability to tropical weather systems. Even relatively moderate tropical storms can strain the USVI’s aging infrastructure and limited emergency response resources. The declaration process itself reveals how quickly territorial officials must mobilize when severe weather threatens.
Under the Public Assistance program, eligible entities in St. Croix can now apply for reimbursement for emergency work performed during and immediately after the storm. This includes costs associated with clearing debris from roads, stabilizing damaged structures, and restoring critical utilities. The territory has until Dec. 20, 2024, to close out recovery activities under this declaration.
FEMA’s regional office, which oversees the territory, processed the declaration request within five days of the storm’s end. The speed of approval reflects established protocols for disaster response in the Caribbean, where hurricane season runs annually from June through November.
The declaration covers St. Croix only, classified as a county-equivalent under federal disaster management systems. This geographic specificity highlights how tropical storms can affect different islands within the territory unevenly. St. Thomas, the most populous island and home to the territorial capital, was spared significant impacts this time.
However, the territory’s history with hurricanes—including the catastrophic 2017 season when Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck within two weeks—demonstrates that future storms could impact multiple islands simultaneously. The USVI remains actively engaged in rebuilding resilience and modernizing infrastructure to withstand major hurricane impacts.
Residents and businesses seeking reimbursement for storm-related losses on St. Croix should contact their municipal government or FEMA’s regional disaster assistance office to learn about application procedures and deadlines. Not all damage qualifies for federal assistance; individual losses typically require homeowners insurance coverage or personal resources.
The territory continues to monitor tropical weather patterns as the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season progresses, with preparedness remaining a top priority for USVI officials.
