Strong waves destroy houses

Strong waves destroy houses

MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Strong waves have destroyed 24
houses in Melayu Bangsal fishing hamlet here over the last two
days, at a time when the town is still counting the losses from
last weeks riots.

No fatalities were reported, but the head of Central Ampenan
subdistrict, Sirajudin, said on Monday that at least 117 people
were left homeless following the disaster. He said they were
being sheltered in the homes of neighbors and relatives.

Sirajudin said the waves hit houses built too close to the
shore, some of them standing just five meters from the coastline.

Antara new agency reported that the fishermen had been
cautioned over the annual storms, which strike between December
and February. (amd)