President Declares Major Disaster For Micronesia
Release Date: January 6, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-001
» More Information on Federated States of Micronesia Typhoon Pongsona
Washington, D. C. -- The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal disaster aid has been made available for the Federated States of Micronesia to supplement state and local recovery efforts in areas struck by Typhoon Pongsona on December 5-7, 2002.
FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh said President Bush authorized the assistance today. "This major disaster declaration by the President opens the way for the federal government to help Micronesia cover costs of cleanup and emergency measures from this incident," Allbaugh said.
Immediately after the President's action, Allbaugh designated Chuuk State eligible for federal funding to pay state and affected municipal governments 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance.
Allbaugh indicated that damage surveys are continuing and more jurisdictions and additional forms of assistance may be designated later based on the results of the assessments. He named David Fukutomi of FEMA to coordinate the federal relief effort.
Last Modified: Friday, 11-Apr-2003 11:11:49