U.S. ANNOUNCES OVER $96 MILLION IN RELIEF AND RECONSTRUCTION FUNDING FOR FSM – CHUUK STATE FOLLOWING TYPHOON SINLAKU
WENO, CHUUK — In a historic gathering held at the State Auditorium in Weno, senior officials from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the United States came together for the Joint Typhoon Sinlaku Relief and Reconstruction Ceremony. The event marked a major milestone in ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating impact of Typhoon Sinlaku on Chuuk State last April.
During the ceremony, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State T.H. Christopher Landau officially announced that the United States is allocating $96 million in direct relief and reconstruction support for the FSM, primarily benefiting Chuuk State. The funding will support critical infrastructure repairs, home restoration, school reconstruction, and long-term community resilience efforts across the lagoon and outer islands.
The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia; the Honorable Alexander R. Narruhn, Governor of Chuuk State; the Honorable Lester Danny Mersai, Speaker of the Chuuk State House of Representatives; members of the House of Representatives and Senate; the Honorable Jason Robert, Chief Justice of the Chuuk State Supreme Court; His Excellency Bishop Julio Angkel; mayors and traditional leaders.
The visiting U.S. delegation included Deputy Secretary Landau; T.H. Andrew Wylie, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Pohnpei, and embassy staff; the Admiral and Commandant of the United States Coast Guard; and men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Delivering special remarks on behalf of the Chuuk State Legislature and the people of Chuuk, Speaker Lester D. Mersai expressed profound gratitude for the unprecedented assistance package and highlighted the deep bonds connecting the two nations.
“This visiting delegation and this historic announcement are much more than diplomatic protocol—they are a profound demonstration that the United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our people in our time of need,” stated Speaker Lester D. Mersai. “Our partnership under the Compact of Free Association is not just words on paper. At its core, it is about people helping people when it matters most.”
While acknowledging the substantial commitment from the U.S. Government, the Speaker also reminded community leaders and citizens that the critical work of full recovery continues.
“While this relief brings renewed hope, the work is still ongoing,” the Speaker emphasized. “With our trust in God, our local values, and the unwavering support of our partners, we will continually push forward to rebuild stronger.”
The ceremony concluded with remarks from FSM President Wesley W. Simina, who extended his sincere gratitude to the Government and people of the United States for their extraordinary support.
President Simina reaffirmed the long-standing relationship and special, enduring alliance between the two governments, reiterating their shared commitment to a secure, prosperous, and resilient future for the Federated States of Micronesia.
