The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is comprised of four independent states from west to east of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae (Figure 1-1). Within these states are 607 islands of which 61 are inhabited. The islands vary in topography from low-lying atoll islets (typically forested islets on or near atoll rims or within lagoons) found in Yap, Chuuk, and Pohnpei, to densely vegetated, eroded volcanic peaks of over 500 feet elevation. Given the wide variation in elevation as well as location throughout the Pacific, there is a wide variation in the types and level of natural hazard risk.

Learn more by viewing the FSM Homeowner’s Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards as a Flipbook or by downloading the PDF.

Dennis Hwang has been working in the area of coastal zone management for over twenty years. He has a Bachelor of Science in geology from the University of Rochester, a Master of Science in geology & geophysics from the University of Hawai‘i and a Juris Doctor from the University of Houston. Mr. Hwang is currently with the law office of Reinwald O’Connor & Playdon, LLP and advises government agencies, companies, business and community groups in the areas of environmental, land use, and property law.