Typhoon Wutip updates: Joint Damage Assessment team activated, relief efforts ongoing
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- Category: News
- Published: Friday, 17 May 2019 05:17
- Written by Bill Jaynes
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FSM Information Services
PALIKIR, Pohnpei— This week, from March 18th to March 22nd 2019, the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Emergency Management (DECEM) is working with Pohnpei State Government, the United States Government via the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to jointly and formally assess the damage caused in Pohnpei State by Typhoon Wutip.
This assistance from the United States Government comes in response to His Excellency Peter M. Christian, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) requesting such assistance after the March 11th, 2019 amendment of the National Declaration of Emergency became a National Declaration of Disaster. One of the outcomes of the 7th Special Session of the 20th Congress of the FSM was to formally extend this declaration for an additional sixty days beyond its original thirty day duration.
Upon completion of the assessment in mainland Pohnpei State this week, the Joint Damage Assessment (JDA) team will be traveling to the islands of Nukuoro and the Mortlocks and Pattiw Islands in Chuuk State to formally assess Typhoon Wutip-related damage.
Meanwhile, relief efforts to provide for the needs of the Nation’s affected citizens remain ongoing. On Saturday, March 16th 2019, the Caroline Voyager departed Pohnpei State for the islands in Chuuk State. Amongst its relief supplies include water, medicine, and assorted foodstuffs.
A cabinet meeting on March 20th, 2019 also emphasized the FSM National Government’s commitment to serving the citizens affected by this national disaster. The Honorable Marion Henry, Secretary of the Department of Resources & Development (DR&D), noted in the meeting that DR&D has funds available for food security, including the distribution of planting materials of local food crops. DR&D will be collaborating with DECEM and other FSM and partner agencies to assist with the recovery efforts.
The Declarations of Emergency by the Governors of the States of Pohnpei, Yap, and Chuuk remain in effect. The FSM National Government will continue to provide updates on Typhoon Wutip relief as information becomes available.
