Nias residents face tough times

MEDAN, North Sumatra: The Nias administration said on Thursday that some 8,000 people, many of whom had lost family and houses in a massive quake two months ago, were still living in temporary camps.

Many of the displaced persons are suffering from various ailments, including respiratory diseases, according to Nias Deputy Regent Agus Mendrofa.

The situation in the camps has deteriorated as the people have received less and less food aid and medicine, Agus said, adding that there were also fewer social and health workers in the camps.

Agus urged all parties, including the central government, to remember the victims of the Nias earthquake.

A massive quake rocked Nias island on March 28. Hundreds of people died and thousands more were injured. -- JP