FEMA Coordinating Massive Federal Aid For Guam
Release Date: December 13, 2002
Release Number: 1446-02
» More Information on Guam Super Typhoon Pongsona
Oakland, CA -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coordinates the work of 27 federal agencies, including the American Red Cross, that participate in disaster-recovery operations. The following is a summary of key federal activities following the devastation caused by Supertyphoon Pongsana:
- There are now 13 American Red Cross shelters housing 3,199 people on Guam. Red Cross is working to get these persons into more permanent housing.
- The American Red Cross/U.S. Department of Agriculture feeding program for shelter residents will begin on Wednesday, Dec. 18. The program, which will continue through Dec. 28, will not include meals on Christmas Day.
- FEMA coordinated delivery of 8,000 pounds of relief supplies to the Island of Rota in CNMI. Six cargo planes carrying medical supplies, water, personnel and American Red Cross supplies were also delivered to Guam.
- More than 475 federal personnel have arrived in Guam and are assisting with the disaster-recovery effort. Additional personnel are being deployed to meet further disaster-related needs.
- A Sanitation and Waste Water Specialist and two petroleum experts are assisting petroleum-product resource distribution on Guam.
- The Public Health Service (PHS) has deployed two Disaster Medical Assistance Teams from Ohio and California consisting of emergency room nurses, critical care nurses and respiratory therapists. PHS personnel are working with GovGuam to identify additional medical and public health issues.
- Department of Defense is providing a mobile field hospital with beds and surgical capability. This undertaking is in response to the severe damage suffered by Guam Memorial Hospital.
- The Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved a request by GovGuam to implement an Emergency Food Stamp Program.
- U. S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) is coordinating debris removal, overseeing water needs and sewage disposal; and installing FEMA generators warehoused on island. In addition, five Structural Assessment Teams, consisting of electrical, mechanical, structural and sanitation engineers, will be assessing the immediate habitability of public buildings.
- Members of the U.S. Coast Guard's Pacific Strike Forces are in Guam to assist in containing, packaging and disposing of hazardous waste.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is coordinating technical support between the Guam EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard Strike Team which will have household waste pick-ups as soon as locations are determined.
- General Services Administration is locating sources for emergency supplies, transportation and facilities.
- Department of Energy personnel are working with GovGuam to restore the island's power and fuel needs.
- More than 150 persons are being housed in nine American Red Cross shelters on Rota in CMNI.
Last Modified: Thursday, 23-Jan-2003 14:47:32