E. Nusa Tenggara on food shortage alert

MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: The provincial office of the Ministry of Social Affairs said that East Nusa Tenggara is on alert for possible food shortages in Timur Tengah Selatan regency.

The head of the ministry's office in Maumere, Josep Soetarno, said yesterday that 178 households in four villages -- Naip, Oepliki, Fatunana and Oekiu -- were already suffering food shortages.

He said the East Nusa Tenggara Governor, Herman Musakabe, had sent rice and clothes to the regency. (yac/09)