Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Nydia Negron (212) 788-9364
"We are very concerned with the safety of the residents and will work with the Federal Emergency Management Administration and other pertinent agencies to serve as facilitators and provide support in any way we can," said Mayor Giuliani. "As demonstrated in the past, we stand ready to help our neighbors in need."
This afternoon the Mayor was in contact with Virgin Islands Governor Roy L. Schneider in an effort to assess the impact of the hurricane to the islands which include St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John.
Earlier today, Deputy Mayor Ninfa Segarra met with the New York Regional Director of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Office as a first step to coordinate relief efforts. An assessment of needs is being undertaken in order to determine the impact of the hurricane.
"We will be carefully monitoring the situation and, at the Mayor's direction, will identify resources necessary to assist in the relief efforts," said Deputy Mayor Segarra.
Last year, the multi-agency rescue mission undertaken by the City resulted in the provision of over $250,000 worth of food, medical supplies, building materials and other vital resources to the Caribbean Islands impacted by Hurricane Luis.