KOROR, Palau (Palau Horizon/Marianas Variety): August 13, 2002 - Chuuk Gov. Ansito Walter has expressed gratitude for the help extended by Palau to help the state's landslide victims.

In a letter to Vice President Sandra Pierantozzi, Walter acknowledged the contributions and the help Palau extended to Chuuk during "a most critical and urgent time."

"The people immensely owe you immeasurable gratitude for responding in the most expeditious manner possible to the calamitous situation," he said.

Palau sent a medical team and distributed relief goods to help in the treatment of landslide victims in Chuuk. The landslides were caused by tropical storm (later typhoon) Chata'an.

Palau sent a doctor, two nurses and a sanitation officer to assist in the recovery efforts of Chuuk.

The Palau Red Cross also donated relief goods and, with the help of the U.S. Navy's Civic Action Team 40-21, the supplies were flown to Chuuk via a Navy C-130 plane.

Pierantozzi organized the typhoon relief committee for Chuuk.

Palau also sent a doctor, two nurses and a physical therapist to Yap to assist its typhoon victims.

Chata'an, which also devastated Guam and Rota, caused more than 30 landslides and buried hundreds of homes in Chuuk. There were at least 47 reported fatalities.