Over 130 schools damaged in storms

SEMARANG, Central Java: More than 130 elementary school buildings have been damaged by torrential rain since last month, Antara reported yesterday.

Soekendro of the provincial education office estimated a financial loss of Rp 1 billion (US$281,700), and said that students had been forced to study in residents' houses and village halls.

The provincial administration will assist the repair of schools in 18 regencies. Schools in Karanganyar regency were the worst hit, suffering a Rp 90 million loss, while schools in other regencies need only minor repair. (swe)