Drought-related deaths hit 420 in Jayawijaya

Drought-related deaths hit 420 in Jayawijaya

JAKARTA (JP): Three more people have died in the Jayawijaya
regency, Irian Jaya, raising the number of drought-related deaths
to 420.

Antara reported yesterday that the three casualties, all
residents of the Ninia village, had died from malaria.

Jayawijaya Regent JB Wenas told reporters in Wamena, the
regency's capital, that many people suffering from malaria in
Ninia had lost all hope, refusing to accept medication or food.

The mainly poor villagers, who still adhere to a very
traditional way of life, believe the calamity is God's cure. They
maintain that by taking medication and eating food they will only
exacerbate the situation, Wenas said.

The villagers' superstitions were intensifying the situation
and making it more difficult for health workers, he said.

Wenas expressed concern that there will be more deaths because
the villagers' lack of cooperation is doubling.

Besides the threat of drought-related illnesses, Wenas said
many women in the regency's villages needed clothes because fire
had destroyed the grass fibers used to make traditional straw
skirts.

The raw materials used for traditional clothing was usually
found in swamplands.

Wenas said the plea for clothing came from women in the Pasema
village in Kurima who complained to the chief of Trikora military
command, Maj. Gen. Johny Lumintang, during his visit to the
village recently.

In response to the villagers' complaints, Wenas called on all
parties to donate their used clothes. (aan)