Super Typhoon Pongsona Assistance Surpasses Paka Totals 

Release Date: January 8, 2003
Release Number: 1446-22

» More Information on Guam Super Typhoon Pongsona

Dededo, Guam -- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials today announced that disaster assistance in the few weeks following Super Typhoon Pongsona has surpassed the total disaster assistance provided under Individual Assistance Programs during Typhoon Paka in 1997.

David Fukutomi, FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer said, "We have registered and assisted more disaster victims, in less time, than in any previous disaster in Guam's history. This includes the number of applications received and the amount of financial assistance provided."

FEMA officials reporting on the comparison between Typhoon Paka and Super Pongsona noted the following:

  Total for Paka 3 Week Total for Pongsona
Individual Assistance Applications
Received by FEMA 		14,770 18,219
FEMA Assistance Provided $27,367,575 $33,919,286

Fukutomi concluded by stating, "The success in assisting families of Guam this quickly is due to the continued commitment of the entire FEMA/federal work force, plus the efforts and support of GovGuam. The dedication of everyone working this disaster has been exemplary. We still have much more to do, and challenges lay ahead, but we will face them together as a federal/local team."

Last Modified: Thursday, 23-Jan-2003 15:55:52