Famine kills 265 in Irian: 'Antara'

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)