Schools remain closed after quake

Schools remain closed after quake

MANOKWARI, Papua: The earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter
scale that jolted the region and damaged many buildings in
Manokwari regency earlier this month has forced thousands of
students in the remote districts of Oransbari and Ransiki to
study at makeshift tents and government offices.

The local administration is reported to have done little to
rebuild the school buildings in the two districts. The quake and
storm leveled all elementary, secondary and high school buildings
in the two districts.

Aftershocks have forced some teachers to abandon their schools
and students of well-off families to continue their studies in
Manokwari.

Coordinating Minister for Peoples' Welfare Jusuf Kalla vowed
during his visit to the stricken areas over the weekend to extend
Rp 1 billion in relief aid to quake victims. -- Antara