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Federated States of Micronesia: Typhoon Mitag - Information Bulletin n° 1

Countries
Micronesia
Sources
IFRC
Publication date

This Bulletin is intended for information only. The Federation is not seeking any funding or other assistance from donors for this operation at this time.
The Situation

The entire State of Yap, the westernmost state of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) with a population of around 8,000, was threatened from 1-3 March by Typhoon Mitag. According to the Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory issued by the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Guam, Typhoon Mitag was moving in a west-northwest direction at a speed of 18 mph with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph. The typhoon hit Yap Island on 3 March 2002, leaving an extensive trail of damage to public and private property and food crops in the coastline areas of the main island and neighbouring outer islands.

The Governor of the State of Yap declared a 30-day state of emergency and requested the assistance of the Government. The National Government will request assistance from the United States Government, and a damage assessment will commence as soon as possible.

Red Cross/Red Crescent Action

The Yap chapter of the Micronesia Red Cross Society (MRCS) is involved in the State Government's task force to organise a response. The MRCS Yap Chapter has pre-positioned stocks of relief items available, equipped by the Regional Disaster Preparedness Programme (DP Container Project). Items available include 600 blankets, 100 cooking sets, 50 hurricane lamps, 100 plastic sheets, and 100 water containers, to cover the immediate non-food needs of 100 families (600 persons). Upon the completion of initial damage and needs assessments in conjunction with the State Government, the Yap Chapter will organise the distribution of the relief supplies to the most affected population. The Yap Chapter is liaising with the MRCS national headquarters, which is sharing information with the Federation's Regional Delegation in Suva.

The Palau Red Cross Society also followed the developments of Typhoon Mitag as it passed near the country last night (3 March), but there has been no report of damage or casualties.

For a full description of the National Society profile, see www.ifrc.org

For further details please contact:

  • Regional Delegation for the Pacific, Phone 679 311 855; Fax 679 311 406; email ifrcfj'03 @ ifrc. o rg
  • Satoshi Sugai, Phone 4122 7304-273; Fax 41 22 733 0395; email sugai@ifrc.org

All International Federation Operations seek to adhere to the Code of Conduct and are committed to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response (SPHERE Project) in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable.

For support to or for further information concerning Federation operations in this or other countries, please access the Federation website at http://www.ifrc.org

For longer-term programmes, please refer to the Federation's Annual Appeal.

John Horekens
Head
Relationship Management Department

Hiroshi Higashiura
Head
Asia and Pacific Department