Tsunami victims to receive aid

LAMKAWE, Aceh: The Ministry of Social Services has allocated Rp 262 million (approximately US $119,000) to build 350 modest houses for victims off tidal waves.

Minister Inten Suweno announced the assistance plan when she met on Thursday with residents of Lamkawe village, Aceh Besar regency. The aid will be given to villagers of Padang Sirahet and Pasir Lhok Arun, the Antara news agency reported.

Inten said the houses will be built in cooperation with the Armed Forces (ABRI) village programs.

"Those villages fall pray to tsunamis almost every year," a spokesman for the provincial office of the ministry, H.M. Saleh Yacob, told the news agency.

The most recent major tidal wave occurred in 1992, destroying more than 100 houses and causing material losses of almost Rp 2 billion. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.

Inten visit also gave her an opportunity to award scholarships for 600 students achievers in the Aceh province, as well as other forms of assistance for the activities of local youth groups. (swe)