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Governor Pangelinan Ordered State Flags Flown 1/2 Staff 3 Days

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): April 24, 1997 - Pohnpei State Governor Del Pangelinan, on April 22, 1997, issued a proclamation ordering all State flags be lowered half-staff for three consecutive days beginning April 22 until April 24, 1997, in honor of and respect for three distinguished citizens who are confirmed dead, including Linter Kirielmwo, Donovan Kirielmwo, Catherine Kirielmwo, and others who have died tragic deaths from the landslide which occurred about midnight April 20, 1997.

In his proclamation, Governor Pangelinan said that the April 20, 1997 landslide in Oumor village buried one dwelling house with eight people in it. About the same time, another landslide occurred in Iohl village which destroyed three dwelling houses among other things.

The proclamation expressed deep regret for the unfortunate and disastrous incidence and with grief, expressed sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of those whose lives were lost in this tragic event.

As of this writing, it has been reported that two female victims were recovered by rescuers on April 22, 1997 and were given decent funerals. Thus, only six persons are still missing in the Iohl Village landslide. In the Oumor Village landslide, bodies (of) a man and a child were unearthed on April 22, 1997 and were buried the same day.

There are at this point, 12 a.m. April 23, 1997, six people are still missing in the Iohl Village landslide and another six persons still missing in the Oumor landslide. Rescue efforts which involves Local, State, the National Government officials, Traditional Leaders and family friends and members of the community are continuing. The FSM President's Office of Information will keep you updated as new developments are realized.