A Socioeconomic Analysis of Hurricanes in Puerto Rico: An Overview of Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness

Abstract

The island of Puerto Rico has been severely affected by a significant number of hurricanes within the past 100 years. Hurricanes San Ciriaco (1899), San Felipe (1928), San Nicolas (1931), San Ciprian (1932), Santa Clara (1956), Federico (1979), and Hugo (1989) have had devastating social and economic effects on the island. The problems of hurricanes are further exacerbated by the topography of Puerto Rico, which includes areas that are highly susceptible to flooding and landslides. As a result of the changing demographic patterns in Puerto Rico, there has been a significant increase in population density, in the proportion of the elderly and physically disabled population, and an increasing concentration of residents in areas that are at high risk due to floods and/or landslides. These factors, combined with the dramatic increase in modern, high-rise infrastructure (i.e., hotels and condominiums) in the coasts of the island, contribute to our increasing vulnerability to disasters. In order to prepare better for disasters and to coordinate the responsibilities and efforts of governmental organizations during periods of crisis, Law Number 22 (1976) and the Executive Order of the Governor of Puerto Rico (1993) were established. However, past experiences with disasters, such as Hurricane Hugo, show that the results of the planning, response, and recovery efforts of these organizations have been mixed. The lack of human and economic resources has presented serious problems in the management of disasters among organizations on the island. The research literature, and data collected from disaster management officials in Puerto Rico, show that there is an urgent need to educate organizational leaders as well as the general population if we are to obtain an ''appropriate'' response during disaster situations. Moreover, existing disaster mitigation, preparedness, and response strategies must be revised and evaluated before the next hurricane strikes.