Collaborative Relief Efforts for FSM Outer Islands Ongoing

PALIKIR, Pohnpei, February 29, 2024 – Responding to recent tide surges and persistent droughts in several outer islands of the FSM, the national government, through the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Emergency Management (DECEM), has mobilized emergency relief supplies for affected communities in Pohnpei, Yap, and Chuuk. MV Navigator, which departed Weno on February 5, 2024, carried relief items for Yap\’s outer islands. MV Narik Mataw, departed on February 13, 2024, served the Northwest Islands of Chuuk, while MV Caroline Voyager covered the Mortlocks Region and Pohnpei\’s outer islands. This relief effort includes the delivery of 13,578 cases of water and 13,161 sacks of rice. In solidarity with FSM\’s relief endeavors, the International Organization for Migration provided 500 jerry cans, 27 hygiene kits, and deployed assessment personnel with a reverse osmosis (RO) unit capable of producing 360 liters per day, funded by USAID. UNICEF contributed 754 buckets and 587 wash kits containing essential sanitation items. The Australian vessel Reliant dispatched 116,000 liters of fresh water for drought response in Pohnpei, while the U.S. Coast Guard aided in transporting relief supplies and RO units to Kapingamarangi and Nukuoro. Deliveries to Yap and the Northwest region of Chuuk are ongoing. Pohnpei\’s delivery and assessment concluded with the team\’s return on February 27, 2024. In tandem with emergency aid, joint damage assessments will be conducted by state and national governments, alongside local and international partners such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Micronesia Red Cross Society, and the Catholic Relief Services. These assessments are vital for understanding the impacts on affected islands to ensure appropriate response measures. The FSM government extends its gratitude to all partners involved for their invaluable support and solidarity in addressing the urgent needs of our affected communities.###