President Simina & Vice President Palik paid an official state visit to the State Leaders of Pohnpei

Chuuk State – The FSM Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Emergency Management (DECEM) and International Organization for Migration launched a three-day simulation exercise in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, from June 6-9, 2023 to prepare first line responders on rapid mobilization during disaster situations.   Initiated by DECEM and supported by the United States Agency for International Development funded Resilience Project, the simulation exercises are to mobilize first responders from various sectors including agriculture, water, sanitation and hygiene, health, and public safety as well as representatives from the State Disaster Coordination Office (DCO), local municipalities, and non-governmental organizations.   In his opening statement, Lieutenant Governor of Chuuk State the Honorable Mekiosy William underlined the importance of the simulation exercise to ensure first line responders understand their responsibilities and are able to carry them out effectively. “This tabletop exercise is critical as our islands are vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Let’s continue to work together and collaborate, so our efforts can establish a strong emergency response when needed and as called for. Our collaboration can save lives, enhance disaster preparedness, response and build resilient communities.”   The Table Top Exercise presented participants with a simulation exercise and disaster scenario, such as a typhoon, and tested the capacities of emergency deployment, social support, livelihoods, and infrastructure clusters in an emergency situation. It also illustrated gaps in coordination and communication channels and provided a platform in which the working groups reviewed and updated the Chuuk State Disaster Response Plan and Standard Operating Procedures.   The increasing risk of disaster events related to the impact of climate change underline the urgent need to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms and minimize, to the extent possible, damage to infrastructures, agricultural crops, livelihoods, and more importantly protect lives.   Following the exercise, DECEM, in coordination with IOM, State DCO and relevant line departments participating in the exercise will identify challenges and opportunities in coordination, local level capacity building, logistics and other critical areas and recommend actionable improvements to strengthen disaster preparedness and response in Chuuk State. The Table Top Exercise is an ongoing activity coordinated by DECEM. The next Table Top Exercise is schedule for Yap State in July 2023.   For more information, please contact DECEM/Morthy Solomon, Email: morthy.solomon@decem.gov.fm