For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 29, 2002

Statement by the Press Secretary

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the Federated States of Micronesia and ordered Federal aid to supplement national and state recovery efforts in the area struck by Typhoon Mitag on February 26, 2002, through March 3, 2002.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to eligible municipal governments in Yap State on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of public facilities damaged by the typhoon. An emergency feeding program is also made available for Eauripik, Elato, Ifalik, Lamotrek, Ngulu, Satawal, and Woleai within Yap State.

Federal funding is also available on a cost share basis for hazard mitigation measures.

Joe M. Allbaugh, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), named William L. Carwile III as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

The Agency said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and additional assistance and areas may be added after the assessments are completed.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.