Storm cripples electrical, water systems: Engineers working to restore utilities, repair estimates unknown at this time
PACAF News
12/10/2002
By Senior Airman Stacy Coville 36th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam - The 36th Civil Engineer Squadron is working hard to restore water and power here after Super Typhoon Pongsona hit Guam Sunday.
"Right now we're in water restrictive mode, and we'll stay there for quite a while," said Maj. Val Hasberry, 36th CES.
"We're working on refilling the two-million gallon storage site, but it's going to take time. 'Well row' sustained a major hit during the typhoon. Until further notice, washing cars and other non-essential water usage is prohibited," Hasberry said.
For now, the only water authorized for use is for cooking, drinking and for minimal toilet-flushing - about once a day.
The 36th Medical Group also sent a warning to base residents to boil all tap water for at least one minute before drinking or using for cooking.
The majority of Andersen is also without power.
People from 36th CES cleared downed lines from the streets Monday, and began inspections to see if an estimate can be made as to when power may be restored.
According to initial reports, the electrical system for Guam has taken major damage.
"We have everybody working hard trying to find out how bad it is," said Hasberry. "Right now we don't have a set time for when it will be back up, but like the water, it will take a while."
Until definite schedules are unknown, 36th CES officials ask people to be patient as they are working non-stop to fix the many problems on base.
Andersen CES personnel are being helped by 19 CES members from the 15th Air Base Wing, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. (PACAFNS)
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