FSM Week in Review Week of April 20, 1997 Program No. 12-97

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FSM Week in Review / Week of April 20, 1997 – Program No. 12-97 (Information on the Disaster in Pohnpei)

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): April, 1997 –
Pohnpei is experiencing the worst disaster in history after flooding
and unprecedented mud slides in various parts of the island on April
20, 1997. Two major land slides occurred in Iohl and Oumoar villages
of Sokehs Municipality which took the lives of seven people and
twelve are still missing as of Wednesday morning, April 23^rd. Five
victims found dead at the Iohl site were buried yesterday (Tuesday),
three at a family cemetery at Iohl and two, which include a young
mother and her four year old daughter were buried at their family
home in Kolonia. Burial ceremonies were held in Sekere, also on
Tuesday evening, for those two found at the Oumoar site, which
include a father and his son. Six people remain missing at Iohl
which include former Chief Magistrate of Sokehs, Francisco Kirielmo,
Marcelino Kirielmo, oldest son of Chief Pwoud Lepen Palikir, and his
two children and two close relative minors. The FSM National Police
retrieved the bodies of the young mother and her four year old
daughter from under thick debris and dirt of about six feet. Search
efforts at Oumoar site have reportedly been called off while Iohl
will continue today with the assistance of the FSM National Police.

Acting President Jacob Nena on April 21^st, has requested U.S.
President Bill Clinton to declare a major disaster for the Federated
States of Micronesia in the State of Pohnpei as a result of the
destruction caused by Typhoon Isa and its aftermath. On April 20th,
Pohnpei State Governor, Del Pangelinan, declared a State of Emergency
based upon the damage and destruction caused by the continuing
effects of the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isa, which he said now a
super typhoon. Acting President Nena told President Clinton that
rivers and streams in Pohnpei State got flooded according to Governor
Pangelinan’s declaration with loss of property and life. From
midnight on April 19 to 4:45 a.m. on April 21^st, Pohnpei experienced
more than 12 inches of rainfall. Sometimes between 11:00 p.m. and
midnight on April 20, 1997, a land slide occurred in Sekere and a
house was buried in mud with eight persons still missing as of
Tuesday. Another land slide, a major one, occurred at Sokehs
village of Iohl which sent four people to the hospital, three
reportedly in critical condition, five dead and six still missing.
Flooding and mud have hampered rescue operations making it impossible
to move heavy equipment to the two sites. In response to this
disaster, Pohnpei is continuing to assess the damage and commencing
the relief efforts.

In addition, further to the request of the Governor of Pohnpei
State, President Jacob Nena issued a Presidential Declaration to
facilitate the rendering of National Government assistance to the
affected states. Said Presidential Declaration declares a state of
emergency in Pohnpei State as a result of this natural disaster,
which in turn has caused an imminent threat to the health, safety and
welfare of the people of the affected areas. Further, Acting
President Nena has authorized the expenditure of funds from the
National Disaster Relief Fund to supplement the efforts and available
resources of Pohnpei State. Such expenditures may be used for
necessary food, clothing, shelter, medical supplies, compensation for
crop damage, transportation, debris clearance and repair of damaged
property. In view of the foregoing, the Acting President has
determined that this disaster is of such severity and magnitude that
an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the Federated
States of Micronesia, the affected State, and local government, Nena
told President Clinton that supplemental assistance is needed from
the United States Federal Government. President Nena requested
President Bill Clinton that he declare a major disaster exists in the
State of Pohnpei and that Federal Supplementary Disaster Assistance
be made available as follows:

Individual and public assistance, to include the Individual and
Family Grant Program, DOE Assistance, and SBA Disaster Loan. In
implementing the Individual and Family Grant Program, Nena certified
that the Federated States of Micronesia and Pohnpei State will assume
its 25% share of the costs of the program. Nena further certified
that, for this major disaster, the Federated States of Micronesia and
Pohnpei State will assume all applicable non-United States Federal
Government share of costs as required by law. Acting President Jacob
Nena said that preliminary estimates of the types and amounts of
assistance needed (is) still being assessed and will be forwarded to
President Clinton under separate cover. Nena concluded by telling
President Clinton that “most of the victims of this natural disaster
are from low income families and desperately need more assistance
than we have been able to provide.” Nena requested that the
processing of this request is expeditiously made. Governor
Pangelinan has proclaimed on April 22, 1997, that all Pohnpei State
flags shall be lowered to half-mast for three days for the honor and
respect of those who have died in this disaster.