Famine threatens E. Timor villagers

DILI, East Timor: As many as 7,221 villagers on Kambing Island, just off Dili regency's Atauro Island, could face food shortages due to drought, an official said here yesterday.

Atauro subdistrict head Fernando Soares told The Jakarta Post that corn crops on Kambing Island were dying because there was not enough rain.

"We'll start planting again, but everyone's a bit unsure because there is no rain," he said.

Fernado said he had reported the plight of the villages of Vila, Beloi, Bikeli, Makili, and Makadado, to Dili's regent, Domingos Soares.

Domingos said separately to the Post that his administration had sent 10 tons of rice to the drought-hit areas. (33)