Cattle die of starvation

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: More than 20 head of cattle have died of starvation in Belu regency bordering East Timor, Antara said yesterday.

Deputy Governor Piet Alexander Tallo could not confirm the report but promised to look into it, the news agency said.

A farmer, who lost nine head of cattle, said his stock of animal feed had dried up because of the drought.

He said in the past he had lost one or two heads of cattle during the dry season. This year however the casualties are higher and the number would go up unless it rains in October. (emb)