Assistance sought for Guam typhoon victims

By Kapono Dowson
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Salvation Army is asking the Hawai'i community to help with immediate relief for families affected by Typhoon Chata'an, which pummeled Chuuk and Guam last week with 110 mph winds.

Torrential rains and mudslides in Chuuk left 38 dead, Salvation Army spokesperson Daniel de Castro said. "Families in Chuuk still have homes under water," he said.

Although no deaths or serious injuries have been reported in Guam, hundreds of families were left homeless and are housed in 15 emergency shelters. As many as 1,800 people were staying in Guam's emergency shelters, hotels and makeshift dwellings, de Castro said.

The Salvation Army has begun to distribute two-week supply-parcels of non-perishable food and clothing vouchers to needy families in Guam. Food and clothing distribution in Chuuk is being coordinated with other agencies.

Tropical Storm Halong is expected to pass 28 miles off the coast of Guam this morning, reaching typhoon strength as it leaves the area, Jim Weyman, director of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, said. "We're keeping a close eye on it," he said. "Right now it's a tropical storm warning and a typhoon watch."

Cash donations may be sent to: The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 620, Honolulu, HI 96809. Call the Salvation Army Divisional Office at 988-2136 for information.

Reach Kapono Dowson at kdowson@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8103.