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President Orders Disaster Aid For Micronesia Typhoon Response  

Release Date: April 10, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-042

» More Information on Federated States of Micronesia Typhoon Sudal

» 2004 Region IX News Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that President Bush has ordered federal disaster aid for the Federated States of Micronesia to supplement response efforts for Typhoon Sudal in the state of Yap.

Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said the President took the action under a major disaster declaration issued directly after receiving from FEMA Micronesia’s expedited request for federal aid.

"The President's swift response addresses the immediate emergency priorities while we continue the process for assessing additional assistance requirements," Brown said.

Following the declaration, Brown designated the state of Yap and affected municipal governments eligible for federal funding to pay 75 percent of the approved cost for debris removal and emergency services related to the storm that struck the area beginning April 8. The funding also covers the cost of emergency work undertaken by the federal government at the request of the state and municipal governments.

Brown indicated that other areas and additional forms of assistance may be designated later based on the results of ongoing damage assessments. He named Michael Karl of FEMA to coordinate federal recovery operations in the affected area.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Monday, 19-Apr-2004 13:08:46