11 Dec 2002

Micronesian countries begin assessing damages caused by Typhoon Pongsona

3:49 pm on 11 December 2002

Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and Federated States of Micronesia have begun assessing the cost of damage caused by Typhoon Pongsona.

The super typhoon struck earlier this week with winds of nearly 300 kilometres an hour.

Preliminary reports from CNMI's Rota islands show up to 50 million US dollars damage, with 200 homes destroyed and another 150 were damaged.

In Guam, the death toll remains at six but the local Fire Department and National Guard are currently searching for those who were stranded without transport or shelter during the typhoon.

Pongsona caused considerable damage to Guam's airport, port, and water, power and communication utilities.

In the Federated States of Micronesia, Chuuk state has declared a state of emergency, which is yet to be approved by the national government.

Still reeling from the death and destruction caused by Chata'an in July, Chuuk's recovery efforts will be further set back.

Reports from Chuuk says that the outer islands are without fresh water and that Pongsona wiped out entire villages.