Tsunami victims to receive aid

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)