Relief for flood victims promised

JAKARTA (JP): The flood that hit the East Kalimantan capital of Samarinda began to subside in some areas yesterday as the government promised to dispatch 100 tons of rice for evacuees finding it difficult to obtain food.

Muddy water, which flowed through the burst Benanga dam in Lempake village on Friday, still covered the city's drainage system, but no longer inundated some residential areas and offices. Antara said that among the areas where water had receded were Sungai Pinang Luar, Sungai Pinang Dalam and Sidomulyo districts.

Other districts, such as Pelita, Temindung Permai, Sidodadi and Dadi Mulia, are still badly affected.

Employees of various government agencies in Sungai Pinang Luar were seen working together to repair and clean their workplaces. "My job today is only to clean up the mess," said one employee at the agricultural office.

Schools were still closed, however, due to the flood that killed four people and forced 100,000 to evacuate.

Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Haryono Suyono said yesterday the government would send 100 tons of rice to Samarinda for the flood victims.

The news agency also reported that the disruption to traffic had caused prices to rise considerably. Beef was selling in the city for Rp 18,000 (US$1.30) per kilogram, up from the usual price of Rp 15,000. Goat meat was selling at Rp 25,000 compared to the usual price of Rp 15,000.

Onions and garlic were selling for Rp 18,000 per kilogram, while the price of a kilogram sugar was Rp 4,500, Rp 500 more than the usual price. (swe)