Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Pangelinan Declared Pohnpei in State of Emergency

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): April 21, 1997
– Pohnpei Governor Del Pangelinan issued a declaration stating that
Pohnpei State has entered in a state of emergency beginning at 10:30
p.m. April 20, 1997, as a result of flooding and unprecedented mud
slide in various parts of the island that resulted in loss of lives
and property.

In his declaration, Governor Pangelinan stated that mud slide in
Iohl Village of Sokehs municipality has caused two persons confirmed
dead, six were still missing and three are being treated at Pohnpei
Hospital. At the Sekere village mud slide, eight people are still
missing. Because of flooding and tons of mud slide, excavation is
continuing using heavy equipment but recovery of victims are
difficult and hampered by mud.

Governor Pangelinan also issued an Executive Order directing all
government departments to provide assistance necessary to ensure
safety, health and welfare of the public and that all such efforts
shall be coordinated through and under the direction of the Office of
Emergency Assistance of the Department of Justice and that all public
schools are ordered closed until further notice. The declaration
which was being broadcasted over the government radio broadcast
station will continue in effect for 30 days unless earlier rescinded.

Emergency shelters are being established in each municipality,
Pangelinan stated, and is requesting assistance of the FSM National
Government for supplies, equipment, personnel and funding which may
be needed. A meeting has been called to keep the chief magistrates of
the five municipalities and the Mayor of Kolonia Town informed of the
existing State of Emergency in Pohnpei. Pangelinan invited the FSM
Attorney General to attend such meetings.

The Bank of the FSM, a local bank, has initiated a fund drive
according to a radio broadcast announcement inviting donations to
help those victimized by floods and mud slides in Pohnpei State,
adding that an escrow account has been established at the Bank of the FSM.

Governor Pangelinan also requested Acting President Jacob Nena to
transmit to the Embassy of the United States of America in Pohnpei a
copy of his declaration and to invoke the assistance of the Federal
Emergency management Agency (FEMA).