Quake victims still homeless

Quake victims still homeless

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: A total of 2,023 families victims of the earthquake and tidal waves in Biak Numfor regency last month are still homeless, Antara reported yesterday.

The agency reported that many people are still living in makeshift tents built by local rescue workers. Coordinator of the rescue team Col. Marlyn Nainggolan said here yesterday that efforts are being made to give the quake victims a new home.

"Reconstruction work will start once the aftershocks stop," he said. Nainggolan, who is also the chief of the local military base, said the army plans to build 1,018 houses for residents whose houses were destroyed.

After that, the team will repair 4,663 houses with various extent of damage. A total of 650 servicemen will be used in the project, he said. (swe)