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