DEDEDO, Guam -- The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coordinates the work of 27 federal agencies, including the American Red Cross, that participate in disaster response recovery operations. The following is a summary of key federal activities following the devastation caused by Typhoon Sudal in the Federated States of Micronesia:
- It is estimated that well over 500 homes have been severely damaged or destroyed.
- There are now approximately 500 people in 18 temporary shelters in Colonia and 400 in the outer villages housing.
- Twenty-two C-130 mission sorties in support of Yap State have been completed. One additional flight to the outer islands of Ulithi and Fais with a contracted civilian aircraft has been flown.
- To-date, approximately 20,000 gallons of water has been transported to Yap. One water buffalo and four other water distribution tanks have been received in Yap to support water operations.
- The cargo vessel Universal Island is transporting three 40 foot and two 20 foot containers of food, along with other supplies and equipment, such as water and tents to Yap.
- Three FEMA vehicles, 100-open-ended field latrines and electrical items from the Guam Power Authority are also being transported.
- The US Forest Service (USFS) has been deployed on Yap. It was deployed to establish a staging area for receipt and distribution of supplies flown in by the United States Air Force and the Coast Guard, and has been assisting FEMA in sourcing food supplies from local vendors in Yap. The USFS has also been assigned to determine crop damage on the island.
- More than 99 federal personnel have arrived in Guam and FSM and are assisting with the disaster-recovery effort. Additional personnel are being deployed to meet further disaster-related needs.
- A sanitation and wastewater specialist and other experts are assisting with sewage pumps on Yap. The 249th Prime Power (PP) team has completed installation of six large and six small generators for the sewage lift stations and other needs.
- U. S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) is coordinating debris removal, overseeing water needs and sewage disposal and installing FEMA generators on island.
- General Services Administration is locating sources for emergency supplies, transportation and facilities.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.