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FEMA Team Completes Preliminary Survey

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): April 29, 1997 - The FEMA Team, headed by Daryl Wait, who were dispatched to Pohnpei to conduct a preliminary assessment on damages caused by Typhoon Isa and the devastating landslides that took the lives of 19 Pohnpeians and caused extensive damage to properties, returned to Guam on Tuesday, April 29, 1997, where it will compile its findings and make its report to the U.S. Government.

The team was sent to Pohnpei in response to the request by FSM Acting President Jacob Nena, who requested the President of the United States, William Clinton, to declare Pohnpei a major disaster area, eligible for FEMA relief and recovery assistance. The report of the FEMA Team will help the U.S. President to determine whether or not Pohnpei should be declared a major disaster area.

Meanwhile, the last of two of the eight people missing in the Oumor village landslide were recovered Monday afternoon, April 28, 1997, according to Pohnpei State. However, the search continues for the two remaining victims in Iohl on April 29, 1997.