*EPF107 04/12/2004
Transcript: Bush Declares State of Disaster in Micronesia
(Authorizes U.S. emergency aid to be sent) (250)

President Bush declared a state of disaster in the Federated States of Micronesia April 10 and ordered U.S. aid to be sent to Yap state to assist in relief and recovery efforts.

Typhoon Sudal hit Yap April 9 and devastated much of the island. According to news reports, the typhoon severely damaged the airport, hospital, government facilities and much of Yap's water, power and telecommunications infrastructure.

Following is a text of President Bush's declaration:

(begin transcript)

THE WHITE HOUSE
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
(Crawford,Texas)
April 10 , 2004

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 Sudal beginning on April 8, 2004, and continuing.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to Yap State and affected municipal governments on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures under the Public Assistance program, including direct Federal assistance.

Representing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland Security, named Michael Karl as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

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

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

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(end transcript)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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