Flooding hits Wamena

JAYAPURA, Papua: Floodwaters inundated some parts of Wamena, the capital of Jayawijaya regency, on Saturday after heavy rain for the past week.

The floods destroyed thousands of hectares of crops and paddy fields, sparking fears that the area could be hit by a food crisis. In some areas, the flooding was one meter deep.

In order stave off a food crisis, Jayawijaya Regent David A. Hubi has instructed local branch of the State Logistics Agency (Dolog) to distribute 91 tons of rice to needy people. -- Antara