---

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was being broadcasted over the government radio broadcast station will continue in effect for 30 days unless earlier rescinded.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).