From a CDC perspective, there is this quote from the article, "The researchers noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that deaths can be directly attributed to storms such as Maria if they are caused by forces related to the event, whether it is flying debris or loss of medical services."
I heard Brock Long, FEMA administrator, quoted this morning. Basically, he stated that these additional deaths were caused by a woefully unprepared, antiquated and poorly maintained water and electrical system on the island.
In this case, I'll have to side in the majority with Long. FEMA can not make up the difference in having a fully functional infrastructure system. About a year ago, I wrote an op-ed for the Seattle Times, Do you have an earthquake relocation plan? You should, which stated there will be a spontaneous evacuation of the city of Seattle when a really large quake hits that metropolitan area. Without roads and water, life cannot be sustained. People will have to walk out to evacuation points where they can get other transportation to different parts of the state and nation That is the reality. For the elderly who are not mobile, the death rate, like in Puerto Rico will skyrocket. Will that be FEMA's fault then? I don't think so.
