More aid for Irian Jaya

More aid for Irian Jaya

JAKARTA (JP): The city branch of Indonesian Red Cross has sent
relief aid to Irian Jaya in the form of food, clothes and Rp 108
million for villagers suffering the effects of the prolonged dry
season.

Deputy Governor for Development and Finance Affairs Harun Al
Rasyid said over the weekend the aid was flown to the Timika area
on Friday along with international relief packages.

The food consisted mostly of instant noodles and biscuits, he
said.

The foreign aid was from the Red Cross in Norway and Denmark.

Soesanto Mangoensadjito of Indonesian Red Cross said the two
foreign branches donated food worth US$177,843 and $148,000
respectively.

"Our on-the-spot assessment indicates that the situation there
is dire. Most of the victims have died of malaria, respiratory
problems and severe malnutrition," Soesanto said. (edt)