Only 200 kgs of rice for flood victims

JUBI, 6 April 2011

Only 200 kgs of rice for flood victims

The delivery of only 200 kgs of rice and 20 packets of supermie from the Paniai district government to a large number of flood victims is far from adequate for the number of victims now living there in tents.

Mabipai Degei, a villager from the district of Ekadide, said the delivery of food supplies was far too little for the many evacuees. He said that the district chief and the head of social services had sent supplies for the victims last week. 'But is is far from adequate and in the past few days, we dont have any more food.'

Assistance from the Paniai district government has failed to respond to the complaints of the flood refugees. According to Degei, the local government was far too apathetic and, since the flood started, there have been no supplies from other sources.

The chairman of the Flood Mitigation Team in Paniai, Benny Degei, also regretted the apathy shown by the local government. 'Where else can we look to for help, if not to the local government?' he asked.This calamity started more than a month ago in Ekadide and Adadide yet the regional government has paid no attention to the problem.

Efforts are under way by students in Jayapura who originate from Paniai to collect food supplies for the victims of the flood.

ENDS

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