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Hope Prevails Amid Complex Recovery in Guam
Written by Bonnie Gillespie, Staff Writer, RedCross.org
December 15, 2002 —
Despite a pressing fuel crisis, water shortages and spotty electrical services, the people of Guam remain not only hopeful, but helpful to one another in the aftermath of Supertyphoon Pongsona.
Supertyphoon Pongsona ravaged homes across Guam after striking the island with winds in excess of 180 mph.
Photo courtesy of FEMA
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Last Sunday (Dec. 7), the U.S. territory was blasted by rains and winds exceeding 180 mph, and although islanders are not immune to the harsh, hurricane-like storms, no one anticipated the sweeping devastation of Pongsona.
“You just can’t be prepared for things like this,” said Tchita Blaise, CEO of the Guam Chapter of the American Red Cross. “Some people had just finished rebuilding from Typhoon Chata’an – the storm that struck the island in July”
Besides leveling homes, downing trees and even uprooting concrete poles, the force of Typhoon Pongsona also ignited a massive fuel fire at Guam’s Cabras Island port that raged for almost a week. Consequently, residents have been paralyzed due to gas rationing, unable to use their cars or power generators to supply electricity for the homes that weren’t destroyed by the winds or the flooding.
Tchita Blaise, CEO of the Guam Chapter of the American Red Cross, stands amid the damage of Hagatna, Guam.
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“We’re trying to do the most we can on very little gas,” said Blaise. “Even though the fuel crunch has hampered everything, everyone has come together to use what little resources that we have available.”
Following the storm in July, the Red Cross in Guam experienced an outpouring of volunteers from the community seeking to help their neighbors amid the tragic conditions. As one of three staff members, Blaise reported that the number of volunteers soared to above 240.
“People are victims, but they are out volunteering to help others,” she said.
Preliminary disaster assessment preformed by the Guam chapter and trained Red Cross experts estimate that almost 1,300 homes were completely destroyed by Typhoon Pongsona. Another 1,825 victims suffered major damage to their homes, while nearly 4,800 more had minor damage.
Many residents lost their automobiles in addition to experiencing business and property damage. One person reportedly died of cardiac arrest during the storm, and others have perished from carbon monoxide poisoning after running generators inside their homes.
With the entire island enduring fuel shortages and public health mandates to boil what little running water is available, the Red Cross and other relief agencies have explored creative alternatives to assist victims of Typhoon Pongsona.
In a procedure similar to one successfully used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross has established a toll-free hotline for residents to call and report damages to their homes. Following an interview, damages will be assessed through satellite imagery rather than driving to the location in a time of fuel shortage. Victims will then be given financial assistance to help them rebuild their homes and lives.
“The hotline was established to lessen the delay in service because we have lots of people affected,” Blaise said.
Along with opening the call center, the American Red Cross is establishing a growing humanitarian presence on the devastated island. A relief operation headquarters is now staffed with volunteers and workers from across the globe to serve the needs of the people of Guam.
You can help victims of this and thousands of other national disasters each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. You can make a secure online credit card donation or call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Or you may send your donation to your local Red Cross or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013
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All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. The Red Cross also supplies nearly half of the nation's lifesaving blood. This, too, is made possible by generous voluntary donations. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. You can make a secure online credit card donation or call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Or you may send your donation to your local Red Cross or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. To donate blood, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543), or contact your local Red Cross to find out about upcoming blood drives.
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