The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is exposed to multiple natural hazards, and when a threat becomes an emergency event, it can claim human lives and damage the built and natural environments. However, the potential risk and occasional threat posed by storms or tsunamis pales in comparison to the already present threat posed by climate change, which is causing sea level rise and making it more difficult to predict periods of rain and heat. The people of FSM are already...
More DescriptionThe Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is exposed to multiple natural hazards, and when a threat becomes an emergency event, it can claim human lives and damage the built and natural environments. However, the potential risk and occasional threat posed by storms or tsunamis pales in comparison to the already present threat posed by climate change, which is causing sea level rise and making it more difficult to predict periods of rain and heat. The people of FSM are already experiencing food insecurity, shortages of drinking water, and displacement as their crops fail, their water grows more saline, and rising tides submerge their land. As an ally and partner of FSM, the United States (U.S.) has supported and remains ready to support FSM technically, financially, and materially as this Pacific Island state confronts an increasingly unstable environmental future. Pursuant the Amended Compact of Free Association (COFA) between the U.S. and FSM, the U.S. Agency for International Development's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have developed an operational blueprint, which guides humanitarian assistance in the event of a significant disaster in FSM. The Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (CFE-DM) recognizes that U.S. government support helps FSM and other Pacific Island nations bolster their capacities to match their strong commitments to achieve self-reliance in disaster risk management. As part of its role in supporting this mission, the CFE-DM publishes this updated Disaster Management Reference Handbook to provide a baseline of information on FSM's social, economic, and environmental context alongside an outline of the country's disaster management structures and policies. It is intended as an information resource for persons preparing for a disaster response mission in FSM or who may be working alongside Micronesian government or other civilian responders during a mission.