Kolonia, Pohnpei: February 9, 2024 – The Governor’s Disaster Advisory Committee convened to provide critical updates on the ongoing emergency response efforts to address the effects of drought and seawater inundation in the outer islands.
Governor Stevenson A. Joseph and Lt. Governor Ioanis, presiding over the meeting at the Emergency Operations Center, received comprehensive briefings from key departments leading the response, including the Department of Public Safety and Pohnpei Utilities Corporation (PUC). Mr. Patrick Carl, Director of the Department of Public Safety, highlighted ongoing efforts, including generous donations for the outer islands.
PUC General Manager Nixon Anson provided updates on measures to maintain full water tanks and the deployment of reverse osmosis machines to Nukuoro and Sapwaufik. The Governor’s request to the National Fisheries Corporation (NFC) for a vessel resulted in positive outcomes, facilitating the transportation of essential supplies to Pingelap and Mwoakilloa next week. Governor Joseph and Lt. Governor Ioanis also urged the immediate commissioning of the waterline system from Pehleng to Kinakapw to enhance response efforts.