Drought-related deaths hit 420 in Jayawijaya<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Three more people have died in the Jayawijaya
\nregency, Irian Jaya, raising the number of drought-related deaths
\nto 420.<\/p>\n
Antara reported yesterday that the three casualties, all
\nresidents of the Ninia village, had died from malaria.<\/p>\n
Jayawijaya Regent JB Wenas told reporters in Wamena, the
\nregency's capital, that many people suffering from malaria in
\nNinia had lost all hope, refusing to accept medication or food.<\/p>\n
The mainly poor villagers, who still adhere to a very
\ntraditional way of life, believe the calamity is God's cure. They
\nmaintain that by taking medication and eating food they will only
\nexacerbate the situation, Wenas said.<\/p>\n
The villagers' superstitions were intensifying the situation
\nand making it more difficult for health workers, he said.<\/p>\n
Wenas expressed concern that there will be more deaths because
\nthe villagers' lack of cooperation is doubling.<\/p>\n
Besides the threat of drought-related illnesses, Wenas said
\nmany women in the regency's villages needed clothes because fire
\nhad destroyed the grass fibers used to make traditional straw
\nskirts.<\/p>\n
The raw materials used for traditional clothing was usually
\nfound in swamplands.<\/p>\n
Wenas said the plea for clothing came from women in the Pasema
\nvillage in Kurima who complained to the chief of Trikora military
\ncommand, Maj. Gen. Johny Lumintang, during his visit to the
\nvillage recently.<\/p>\n
In response to the villagers' complaints, Wenas called on all
\nparties to donate their used clothes. (aan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/drought-related-deaths-hit-420-in-jayawijaya-1447893297",
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