Islanders told to go home

TERNATE, Maluku: North Maluku Regent Abdullah Assagaf has told residents of Obi islands who still live in makeshift shelters after the recent earthquake that it is now safe for them to return to their homes.

Abdullah on Monday was visiting the ravaged island to inspect the damage.

He said that the residents shouldn't stay too long in their temporary shelters because they are exposing themselves to possible diseases.

He also promised to help the islanders rebuild their homes and villages and will send word to the authorities once he has made an inventory of the extent of the damage.

One villager was killed and hundreds of houses were destroyed in the quake which struck the island on Oct. 8. (emb)