DATE=5/23/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=WEST TIMOR / FLOODS (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-262691
BYLINE=LISA SCHLEIN
DATELINE=GENEVA
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: U-N agencies say they are working around the
clock to rescue and bring humanitarian assistance to
thousands of flood victims in West Timor. Lisa
Schlein in Geneva reports the floods, described as the
worst in a generation, have totally devastated areas
near the West Timor border.
TEXT: The United Nations puts the number of confirmed
dead at 124. But, it says the toll is likely to be
higher, with at least half the victims East Timorese
refugees - mostly women and children.
The Bermai River burst its banks a week ago, flooding
villages and East Timorese refugee camps. The U-N
describes the flood damage as immense.
// OPT // Five key bridges in the area have been
destroyed and buildings that survived the flood are
partially buried in deep mud. Most of the East
Timorese refugee camps were washed away due to their
makeshift construction and poor building materials.
// END OPT //
A U-N humanitarian official, Donato Kissiger, says at
least 50-thousand people have been affected by the
floods. He says the International Organization for
Migration has transported more than five-thousand
people to safety during the past six days.
/// KISSIGER ACT ///
The prognosis is that water-borne disease may
become a problem over the coming days,
especially considering how difficult it is to
dispose of the rotten livestock in the absence
of heavy lifting machinery. Water testing kits
are needed to assess the quality of the water,
especially in isolated communities.
/// END ACT ///
// OPT // The United Nations reports the border area
is virtually cut off from the rest of West Timor by
flooding and landslides. It says all main roads are
impassible to anything other than four wheel-drive
vehicles. U-N agencies say crops and food stocks have
been destroyed.
The World Health Organization warns of a serious risk
of epidemics. Malaria is endemic in the area and the
hot, swampy flood conditions are perfect breeding
grounds for malaria carrying mosquitoes. // END OPT
//
U-N agencies are sending food, medical, and other
relief supplies to the flood-stricken region. The
Indonesian government has declared a state of
emergency in West Timor for the next two weeks.
(SIGNED)
NEB/LS/GE/RAE
23-May-2000 10:12 AM EDT (23-May-2000 1412 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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