Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Nena urged State Governors to Provide Information on El Niño

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): May 5, 1998 – President
Jacob Nena has communicated to the State Governors regarding
the declaration by US President William Clinton of major disaster
areas in the FSM which excluded main islands of Weno, Pohnpei
and Kosrae in April 27, 1998.

In the April 3rd declaration, the islands of Oroluk, Pakin
in Pohnpei State and Parem, Etten, Piis-Pareu and Pollap in Chuuk
State will be considered part of the original declaration, Nena
stated. This was the result of a number of meetings between FEMA
and states and national governments representatives.

FEMA will consider inclusion of the main islands upon receipt
of information showing changes for the worse in the conditions
of the affected islands, Nena stated.

The islands of Pohnpei, Kosrae and Weno were not included
in the original declaration because these islands were not reported
in the initial request made by the FSM Government.

The information gathered by the FEMA survey team through the
FSM National El Niño Task Force upon which the declaration was
based, excludes the adverse draught effects on those islands
in spite of the visible adverse effects of the draught on the
population and the food crops.

The letter was addressed to Kosrae Governor Mackwelung, Pohnpei’s
Del Pangelinan and Chuuk’s Ansito Walter.