TOKYO, Japan (PINA Nius Online): July 10, 2002 - Japan is sending help to the Federated States of Micronesia following the landslide disaster in Chuuk state.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo said the Japanese government is sending immediate emergency assistance of 10 tents, 1,000 blankets, 700 jerry cans and 10 electric generators.

More than 30 landslides were triggered in Chuuk by torrential rain from slow moving Tropical Storm Chata'an. It later became a typhoon and passed over Guam with 100 mph-plus winds, causing severe damage.

The ministry said Japan has decided to extend this immediate emergency assistance from a humanitarian point of view, in light of the seriousness of the disaster.

The help is worth approximately 10 million yen (US$ 84,746).