Hunger threatens 1,500 families

Hunger threatens 1,500 families

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: About 1,500 rural families in West
Solor subdistrict are worried about a possible famine because
this year's harvest has proved to be inadequate.

They said yesterday that this year's rainfall has been below
normal, reducing per hectare yield of corn from the usual eight
tons to two tons. This is insufficient for them to survive until
the following wet season.

Subdistrict chief Heronimus Keban said he has taken the
villagers' plight to the provincial government in the hope that
it is ready to provide assistance if shortages occur. (yac)