Governor creates Earthquake Preparedness Committee
By THE STAR STAFF
Gov. Jenniffer González Colón on Wednesday established a new interagency body dedicated to strengthening Puerto Rico’s readiness for major earthquakes, signing Executive Order 2026‑053 to create the Puerto Rico Earthquake Preparedness Committee.
The committee, attached to the Department of Public Safety (DSP by its initials in Spanish) and chaired by DSP Secretary Arthur Garffer, will coordinate scientific, technical and operational planning across government agencies, municipalities, federal partners, academia, professional organizations, the private sector and community groups.
González Colón said the initiative is aimed at improving the island’s ability to withstand and respond to seismic events, noting that Puerto Rico’s vulnerability requires sustained, science‑based planning.
“Protecting the life of our people demands preparation, coordination, and continuous follow‑through,” the governor said in announcing the order. “This integrated effort will help us identify vulnerabilities, strengthen critical infrastructure, and improve our response capacity. We want agencies and municipalities to plan using scientific knowledge and ensure continuity of the essential services our people rely on.”
The committee’s priorities include earthquake and tsunami preparedness, rapid damage assessments, seismic and structural monitoring of essential facilities, emergency communications and continuity of government operations. It will also promote public education, staff training and regular drills, with particular attention to populations with special needs during emergencies.
Membership will include representatives from the Governor’s Office, the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration, the Public Buildings Authority, the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience, the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Business Emergency Operations Center, along with any additional members designated by the governor.
The order establishes four initial working groups: Seismic Sciences and Structural Monitoring; Critical Infrastructure and Essential Services; Preparedness, Response and Continuity; and Mitigation, Recovery and Financing. It also authorizes the committee chair to form a federal advisory group with voluntary participation from agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
