---

Pohnpei braces for Tropical Storm 02W

KOLONIA, Palikir (FSM Information Service): April 10, 2003 - Pohnpei State Governor, Johnny P. David, today declared a State of Emergency as Tropical Storm 02W heads towards Pohnpei, Mwoakilloa and Pingelap.

Governor David based his Declaration of Emergency on information and reports from the National Weather Services Office in Pohnpei which located the Tropical Storm at 125 miles east of Pohnpei, with winds currently at 45 miles per hour.

He has ordered all State Government properties, including schools, buildings, facilities, equipment and vehicles be made available and accessible for the security and safety of the general public.

Residents of Pohnpei State are advised to take immediate "actions prepare and secure their lives and properties from the imminent threat of danger from this Tropical Storm ..."

Vice President Redley Killion has advised, in accordance with the State of Pohnpei, the National Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, its agencies and offices located on Pohnpei to follow suit and to be closed until further notice.

Tropical Storm 02W is moving northwest at 9 mph and is expected within 24 hours to intensify its strength to gusting winds of about 70 mph. Weather Services say the closest point of approach will be 100 miles north northwest of Pohnpei at around 9 pm tonight.