3 Sep 2009

Death toll from famine in Indonesia's Papua mounts

1:51 pm on 3 September 2009

The death toll due to famine in Indonesia's Papua region is reported to have risen to as high as 92 people with the Yahukimo regency the worst affected.

VIVA news reports that the Yahukimo disaster response team says the toll had risen in recent months as prolonged haze and rain caused crop failure.

People in the area are also reported to be suffering from diarrhoea, malaria and respiratory problems.

The Jakarta Post reports that the response team says that 60 people in Walma district alone have starved to death.

Meanwhile, Yahukimo's deputy regent, Daniel Rendeng, says he is co-ordinating with relevant agencies to deploy a special relief team to the affected areas.