Flood victims face food shortage

MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: Around 250,000 people in Sikka regency face a shortage of food following the April flood disaster that damaged about 3,000 hectares of crops.

The flooding damaged two vital irrigation facilities that led to the destruction of 3,000 hectares of rice paddy, corn and other crops.

At least 61 people died in the regencies of Ende, Sikka and East Flores when floods hit the area from March 30 to April 4 this year.

Zakarias Sudin, a villager from Masabewa in Mego district, said people here could face starvation as the food supply from last year's harvest was inadequate.

Since the flooding, the Sikka regency administration has been providing food aid but must now extend the supply to more families who have run out of food. -- Antara