Combined response efforts for Maysak victims in Chuuk underway

members of nine affected families on Fanapanges Island receive food and hygiene items from Red Cross and IOM representatives, who were assisted by Chuuk police officers on a dock close to the Fanapanges Elementary School property.

These two days, a joint mission has been underway by officials and volunteers from the Federated States of Micronesia National Government, the Chuuk State Disaster Coordination Office, the Red Cross Society, the International Office of Migration (IOM) -- which administers assistance from the United States AID Agency, and the Chuuk Women Council (CWC). This joint mission was made possible through the support of the FSM Maritime Surveillance patrol boat, the FSS Independence currently operating in Chuuk.

 

On April 17th and 18th, hygienic materials, mosquito nets and repellents, as well as food and liquid intake items were delivered to over thirty displaced families on the islands of Polle, Paata, Onei, Fanapanges, Udot and Eot in the Faichuk region.

 

In addition, this trips also enabled further inspection of damaged public infrastructures and the assessment of food crops conducted by relevant department staff from the FSM National Government.

 

coming back from Polle, Paata, Onei the evening of April 17th, a group of female volunteers and inspector, including Jennifer Killion (IOM) and Karen Wonders, FSM Program Management Unit. Photo taken at the Transco dock.

 

 

Health personnel from Chuuk State also took advantage of the trip on April 17th and went out in separate teams to the Faichuk and Southern Namoneas regions on the 18th.

 

Residents and municipal officials of the islands of Parem, Siis, Uman, Eot and Fanapanges highlighted varying degree of water issues currently being felt or that are anticipated in the very near future. The IOM has been very busy in this area, working on a water transport barge and bringing in tanks and water containers that can be used for water transport or given to affected communities.

 

The response efforts continue amid logistical and financial challenges with support from relatives outside of Chuuk and many generous donors from abroad, including Guam and the Northern Marinas.

 

 

April 16th Maysak response activities, Chuuk

The FSS Independence and IOM contracted barge off the western side Parem Island

Today was a truly busy active day.

1. Ms. Chief Mailo was able to  leave for the Southern Namoneas islands of Tonoas, Fefen and Uman taking with her hundreds of sacks of rice to distribute to affected families.

water tanks provided under USAID assistance

2. The International Office of Migration (IOM), using a locally furnished  barge, delivered drinkable water along with tanks to the islands of Parem and Siis. Both islands indeed are having clean water issues as their water sources have been contaminated. The barge is fitted to pump large amount of water efficiently and can move around in rough weather.

3. The FSS Independence assisted in taking rice and canned meats to Parem and Siis. Once it reached the islands, the State personnel and volunteers turned the assistance over to the Mayors and village chiefs. Assessments of food crop, taro patches, and public infrastructure facilities were also conducted by FSM National Government staff.

4. A cargo ship arrived in Chuuk today. It is easy to run out of store-sold food these days, including chicken, rice and canned meats.

5. Young boy on Parem Island helps with the receiving of rice from the main dock, to the meeting hall where the Mayor and other residents undertake the distribution process.