Starvation In Central Papua Kills 6 People, Puncak Regency Government Hopes The Weather Will Not Disturb Aid Distribution

Assistance for residents affected by extreme weather in Puncak Regency. (ANTARA/HO/Pendam XVII Cenderawasih)

CENTRAL PAPUA - The Puncak Regency Government (Pemkab) in Central Papua hopes that weather conditions are friendly so that the delivery of drought and hunger disaster relief to Agandugume District and Lambewi District will not be hampered.

Delivery of aid via flight has departed on Saturday 29 July. While the second flight is scheduled for Monday 31 July.

The Regional Secretary of Puncak Regency, Darwin Haratiua Lumban Tobing, reasoned on Sunday, July 30, that the delivery of aid to Agandugume and Lambewi had only started in July 2023 because extreme weather conditions hit two districts affected by drought and hunger in June 2023.

He explained that in early July food aid to Agandugume and Lambewi was deployed in Sinak District. Then the officers transported the aid to Agandugume for two days on foot.

Starting yesterday, Saturday, July 29, the delivery of aid to the two districts affected by the disaster leased a Caravan type transport aircraft. So that the aid logistics can be distributed directly to Agandugume and Lambewi from Timika with a travel time of about 35 minutes.

In addition to logistical assistance, Darwin said the Puncak Regional Government would send medical personnel to provide health services to the people of Agandugume and Lambewi.

"The Puncak Regional Government has chartered a plane belonging to PT Reven Global Airport which is scheduled to fly to Agandugume Saturday (July 29) to bring aid," Darwin said on Friday, July 28.

Based on reports he received as of Sunday, July 30, Darwin revealed that drought and hunger in Agandugume District and Lambewi District had killed 6 residents.