FEMA Team to Explore Micronesia Damages

Federal Officials announced that The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Region IX is sending a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) Team to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) to evaluate the severe coastal erosion and storm surge flooding on the islands of Kosrae, Pohnpei and Chuuk from November, 2007 through February, 2008. The assessment team reviews the types of damage or emergency costs incurred by the state, and the impact to critical facilities, such as: public utilities, hospitals, schools, and fire and police departments. They will also look at the affect on individuals and businesses, including the extent of the damage, the number of people displaced, and the threat to health and safety caused by the incident. This unique preliminary damage assessment team-which is also assessing the impact of drought on island agriculture and water table issues--is comprised of personnel from FEMA, FSM and state emergency management agency officials, local officials, the U.S. Small Business Administration, a water specialist from the United States Geological Survey, and an agricultural specialist from the United States Forest Service.