CHUUK, Micronesia (3 Jul 2002) -- At least 39 are feared dead in landslides after Typhoon Chata'an slammed into Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia. Chuuk Governor, Ansito Walker, has declared a state of emergency and closed all offices and schools. "We cannot handle the situation," said Chuuk public affairs director Gideon Kikku. "We are trying to dig bodies out...some people are still buried in the dirt. We need help from foreign governments...our people need clothes, medicines, housing materials." At least 10 people are missing, more than a hundred others have been injured and some 1,500 houses have been damaged in landslides and floods. More than 2,000 people on the main island of Weno fled their homes and sought refuge in government buildings. In addition to the landslides, storm surges reportedly have contaminated some freshwater sources in Chuuk and damaged taro crops. | | Reports of more landslides and deaths on the outer islands of Fefen, Tonoa, Uman and Udot could not be confirmed because there are no telephone links and heavy seas prevented rescue crews from reaching those areas. Chuuk, which is renowned as the world's best wreck diving destination, has a population of about 65,000 people scattered over several islands in Truk Lagoon. Meanwhile, authorities in Guam, Saipan, Rota and Tinian have also declared a state of alert as Chata'an, which means "rainy" or "bad day" in Chamorro, heads for the Marianas. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
