Captain Dan Ripley updated media on Nebraska Task Force 1’s search and rescue operations in Puerto Rico. Here are the key takeaways:
- Nebraska Taskforce 1 arrived at San Juan, Puerto Rico at about 12:30 PM, Tuesday.
- Captain Ripley’s group was assigned with Maryland Taskforce 1 and given FEMA resources at a location near Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport on the north side of Puerto Rico. The taskforce has mostly remained on the island’s north side.
- The work assignments were “to perform rapid search operations in coordination with local, municipal representatives,” which they have been doing for two days. Operational periods are running from 7 AM to 8 PM.
- In addition to the intense weather conditions, the challenges the taskforce is facing include the island’s mountainous topography, mudslides, washed-out roads, and flooding. There have been additional challenges in communications, but the taskforce is overcoming them with handheld radios and satellite phones.
- “Everyone from our taskforce is doing really well. We’ve had no injuries, we’ve been supported very well by the local entities in Puerto Rico and also by our FEMA oversight.” Captain Dan Ripley