The authorities in eastern Solomon Islands are investigating reports that many people in smaller outer islands are going hungry because of a drought.
The reports say there has been stealing of food crops in the Reef Islands.
From Lata, George West reports.
"The provincial disaster coordinator of Temotu province, Frank Menaia, says in Lata that a team of agricultural consultants has been sent to the Pele constituency to make on the ground assessments of the situation. He says further decisions will be made when the team has sent its report. Reports reaching Lata from the Reef Islands indicate widespread stealing and damages to food crops by criminal elements. Food shortages in the Reef Islands have been a cyclical phenomenon which occurs annually from January to July."
George West reporting from Lata
