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)