When Hurricane Maria struck FEMA, which is a disaster response agency within DHS, was able to work together with other rescue teams like U.S. Coast Guards.
FEMA staffs were able to distribute meals and clean water to the victims in Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. FEMA conducted searches in more than 2,600 structures.
It also carried out operational assessment of hospitals in Puerto Rico. On the other hand, U.S. Coast Guards brought their water expertise to the rescue mission. U.S. Coast Guards conducted search and rescue operations in St. Croix, and in the surrounding waters.
It also helped restore communication in Puerto Rico. The major lesson learnt in the Hurricane Maria inter-agency cooperation is that each agency worked on what it was best for. U.S. Coast Guards worked on areas with water as FEMA distributed the basic items like food and sanitary items (FEMA, 2017).
