I received the following update in an email from Pete Petersen of Mincronesian Divers Association in Guam.
I have just received a phone call on the status of Yap from Bill Ackers contact here,who in turn got a phone call from one of the few cell phones still workng there from his daughter.
For those of you who have been there you know how vulnerable the buildings and infrastructure are so think about this as you read this.
Yap received over 6 hours of winds greater than 100mph, with most above 120.
There are over 1,000 homeless people there as any home that was not concrete is no longer liveable in.. The main power for the island is down as the generator was flooded. The water level rose approx 8-10' ABOVE the high tide level, and many, many areas are flooded.
The Manta Ray Bay Hotel survived as its concrete but has no water or power. Their main generator and compressor was completely flooded. The Mnew (very large 170 ship) is either on the road or leaning against the bridge behind the hotel.
The island is really devistated to a much greater degree that we every have been. Yap does NOT get storms like this for literally a hundred years, so they are not prepared as we are.
Here is what is needed immediately:
Common medicines for fever, nausea, pain reducers, BABY FOOD, toilet paper, soap, cleaning supplies, WATER, dry cereals, aspirin, lighweight clothes that are in useable condition, tarpaulins,canned food that are staples (tuna, SPAM, etc.)that don't need to be cooked
Come on divers.....they need our assistance very badly.
Bring any donations to either store. We will get it to where it needs to go to get there.
Thanks, Pete
