Posted on: Saturday, December 14, 2002

Guam families escape aftermath of typhoon

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Dozens of families of military members based on Guam seeking to escape the aftermath of Super-typhoon Pongsona in Guam have been descending on Hickam Air Force Base.

About 70 people arrived yesterday afternoon, said Lt. Paradon Silpasornprasit. Another 50 arrived Thursday night, and more are expected throughout the week.

The families are riding on a space-available basis on military aircraft that delivered relief supplies to the devastated island.

Most of the families are bound for the Mainland, Silpasornprasit said. Some are waiting at Hickam for the aircraft to complete their missions, hoping to catch rides back to Mainland bases where the crews are stationed.

Because there is no formal evacuation order, the families are responsible for their own transportation in the event that space on the cargo planes is not available.

Hickam personnel brought food and drinks for the arriving family members, Silpasornprasit said.

Workers from the Red Cross, from Hickam's family support office and from military lodging offices also met with the families and offered help.