Famine kills 265 in Irian: 'Antara'

JAKARTA (JP): Famine, caused by the drought, has killed at least 265 people in Irian Jaya, Antara reported yesterday quoting the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The ministry cited a report by the Irian Jaya governor listing 254 deaths in the hinterland regency of Jayawijaya, and another 11 in the southeastern regency of Merauke.

The report gave further breakdowns: 83 deaths in Kurima district, 73 in Ninia, one in Anggruk, 33 in Mapenduma, 58 in Tiom and six in Siru village which borders Merauke. All 11 deaths in Merauke were in villages in Senggo district.

Earlier reports cited cholera and other drought-induced diseases and a food shortage as causing the deaths in Jayawijaya.

Haze from forest fires in Baliem Valley has prevented flights carrying relief supplies from landing in some districts, Antara said.

The Irian Jaya administration and the Trikora Military Regional Command have been sending and channeling food and medicine to the two regencies, it added. (emb)