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)