Hail hits Irian Jaya

Hail hits Irian Jaya

NABIRE, Irian Jaya: Hail, which hit Ilaga and Sinak
subdistricts in Puncak Jaya district from July to August, has
damaged hundreds of hectares of farmland, according to a local
official.

Antara quoted H. Ibo as saying here yesterday the damage had
ruined hectares of tubers planted by the locals for their staple
food. Ibo said the residents of the subdistricts hoped the
district and provincial administrations would provide food and
financial aid.

He said the provincial office of the social service ministry
had sent rice, but it could not be distributed because there was
no transportation. "We need money to charter a plane to take the
rice to the location," Ibo said.

Transportation costs Rp 9.3 million (US$3,000). The donated
rice is still in a warehouse in Puncak Jaya. (swe)