Thousands forced to eat dried cassava

Thousands forced to eat dried cassava

SAMPANG, Madura: Prolonged drought has forced 4,021 families
in the remote Mandangin Island, Sampang regency, East Java to eat
dried cassava.

Sampang legislator Hasan Asrori said on Tuesday that the
drought had also contributed to the spread of diseases caused by
the lack of clean water. He urged the local administration to
give food and medical assistance to the people.

The locals, mostly fishermen, were also afraid to go fishing
as strong winds associated with the dry weather system were
dangerous.

Locals pay Rp 2,500 for one small container of clean water and
use salt water from the well for cleaning.

The regent is scheduled to distribute 20 tons of rice
assistance this Wednesday, with each family promised five
kilograms of rice. --Antara