Districts face food shortages

Districts face food shortages

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Three districts located in the remote
parts of Paniai regency are facing food shortages because
incessant rains have destroyed the crops.

The rain, which has fallen since May, has destroyed the sweet
potatoes which are the staple of the local people's diet, chief
of the provincial office of the Ministry of Social Services Oman
Sudarman told Antara yesterday.

The districts most affected are Kamu, Paniai Timur and Tigi.

Despite the disaster, he said, the office has not received any
request from the regency administration to supply food.

"We are aware of the food shortage, but we still don't have
any idea about the number of people needing assistance," he said.

Oman said that the office could not distribute food without
proper coordination from the regency. (par)