Chuuk – The successful completion of the Typhoon Wutip Reconstruction Project (TWRP) was celebrated on 25 July 2024 with a vibrant closing ceremony in Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The event celebrated TWRP's significant achievements in supporting affected islands in Chuuk, Pohnpei and Yap States, which included the construction of 135 new homes and the renovation of 34 public infrastructures.  

In 2019, Typhoon Wutip swept through the Pacific and parts of Asia, causing widespread destruction to homesteads, infrastructures, agricultural crops and water sources. An estimate of 11,500 people fell into vulnerable situations. Supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the TWRP addressed housing needs for remote outer island communities and the renovations of public buildings, including schools and health facilities that were deemed entirely or partially unusable. 

Simultaneously, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) partnered with community working groups, supporting training sessions and providing on-the-job mentorship from field engineers. Furthermore, IOM implemented an innovative voucher approach, allowing community members with minor damages to their homes to access necessary supplies through a catalogue system, thereby bringing the market to some of the most remote outer islands. 

The closing ceremony was attended by Aren B. Palik, Vice President of the FSM; Jennifer Johnson, US Ambassador to FSM; Andrew Yatilman, Secretary of FSM Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management; Alexander Narruhn, Governor of Chuuk; Stevenson Joseph, Governor of Pohnpei; and Francis Itimai, Lieutenant Governor of Yap.  

Representatives from the Chuuk State legislature, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Chuuk State Mayors also attended the ceremony along with community stakeholders. 

All the dignitaries also attended the annual Micro Expo held in Chuuk this year. 

In his opening remarks, Governor Narruhn recalled the great destruction caused by Typhoon Wutip and commended the great display of coordination in the recovery efforts – both the immediate response and the successful reconstruction afterwards. 

In his speech, Vice President Palik said, “Our island nation is among the most vulnerable in the world facing natural hazards, while having limited resources to prepare and respond to them. This is why the concept of building back better is an important approach for our nation – to reduce vulnerability to future disasters, build community resilience, and address physical, social, environmental and economic vulnerabilities." He also expressed gratitude to the US Government, IOM, state-level agencies and communities for their vital contributions to TWRP's success.  

Ambassador Johnson highlighted the US Government’s commitment to supporting disaster preparedness, relief and recovery assistance through the recently renewed Compact of Free Association Agreement 2023-2043 with the FSM.  

IOM Chief of Mission, Salvatore Sortino, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and support for resilience building in disaster-prone areas. “Importantly, the aim is not just to rebuild, but to build back better – to build houses and infrastructures that are more resilient to climate change and to build skills in affected communities that will increase capacity to withstand the impacts of climate change,” stated Sortino. He further acknowledged the significant roles played by government organizations, communities and private sector partners. 

The TWRP underscored the positive outcomes of community engagement, strong partnerships and collaboration, contributing to the FSM's recovery and resilience-building efforts. 

For more information, please contact at IOM Micronesia: Haimanot Abebe, Email:  haabebe@iom.int