Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Landslide Update: Two More Bodies Recovered Wednesday Afternoon, April 23 and Two More on Thursday, April 24

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): April 25, 1997 - Four more bodies of minors were recovered at the landslide sites, on Wednesday afternoon, April 23, 1997, one identified as Densa Kirielmwo, age unknown was discovered at the Iohl site and Erleen Peren, age 2, was discovered at the Oumor site; on April 24, bodies of Luisa Peren, 36, and of her son, Mikel Peren, 8 years old were both recovered at the Oumor site but no recovery was made at the Iohl site.

It has been, reportedly confirmed, that Benancio Kirielmwo who was listed among the missing persons was in Hawaii during the disaster. But a girl was recovered Wednesday, April 23, 1997, at Iohl site was identified as Denesa Kirielmwo, whose name was not in the original list.

One of the survivors, identified as Ester Kirielmwo was referred to the Philippines for medical treatment the night of April 23, 1997, accompanied by Dr. Johnny Hedson, was taken to Guam Memorial Hospital upon arrival at Guam as her condition deteriorated. She will remain there until she is well to return home. Ester is the wife of Francisco Kirielmwo still listed missing at the Iohl site.

With the good weather, rescue operations at both sites continued Friday, April 25, but no new discovery have been reported.