Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Governor Pangelinan Ordered State Flags Flown 1/2 Staff 3 Days

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): April 24, 1997
– Pohnpei State Governor Del Pangelinan, on April 22, 1997, issued a
proclamation ordering all State flags be lowered half-staff for three
consecutive days beginning April 22 until April 24, 1997, in honor of
and respect for three distinguished citizens who are confirmed dead,
including Linter Kirielmwo, Donovan Kirielmwo, Catherine Kirielmwo,
and others who have died tragic deaths from the landslide which
occurred about midnight April 20, 1997.

In his proclamation, Governor Pangelinan said that the April 20,
1997 landslide in Oumor village buried one dwelling house with eight
people in it. About the same time, another landslide occurred in Iohl
village which destroyed three dwelling houses among other things.

The proclamation expressed deep regret for the unfortunate and
disastrous incidence and with grief, expressed sympathy and
condolences to the family and friends of those whose lives were lost
in this tragic event.

As of this writing, it has been reported that two female victims
were recovered by rescuers on April 22, 1997 and were given decent
funerals. Thus, only six persons are still missing in the Iohl
Village landslide. In the Oumor Village landslide, bodies (of) a man
and a child were unearthed on April 22, 1997 and were buried the same day.

There are at this point, 12 a.m. April 23, 1997, six people are
still missing in the Iohl Village landslide and another six persons
still missing in the Oumor landslide. Rescue efforts which involves
Local, State, the National Government officials, Traditional Leaders
and family friends and members of the community are continuing. The
FSM President’s Office of Information will keep you updated as new
developments are realized.