Timika, Jubi – Yuniet Murib, the head of the Puncak Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), has confirmed that her office has successfully distributed essential food assistance across 15 villages in Puncak Regency, located in Central Papua Province. These villages have been significantly affected by an ongoing drought, Murib conveyed on Saturday, August 12, 2023.
Murib elaborated that the areas grappling with drought conditions are dispersed across three districts: Agandugume District (comprising 7 villages), Lambewi District (7 villages), and Oneri District (1 village). A total of 8,012 individuals have been affected by this disaster.
“Fifteen villages have experienced drought and food scarcity. Our distribution of food aid extended to all 15 villages via Agandugume. Within the Agandugume district, approximately 3,019 residents are affected. Lambewi district has roughly 4,440 affected individuals, while Oneri district counts 553 people among the affected,” said Murib.
According to data compiled by BPBD Puncak, six fatalities have been reported in the three districts due to the famine. Murib affirmed that BPBD Puncak was actively monitoring the situation’s progression within these districts, and currently, there were no reports of additional residents falling ill due to the repercussions of hunger.
“Among the fatalities, three were from Agandugume District, and the remaining three were from Lambewi District. No casualties were recorded in Oneri District,” Murib said.
Agandugume District alone spans 166.93 square kilometers of affected terrain. Lambewi District encompasses 159.83 square kilometers of impacted area, while Oneri District experiences drought across 9.13 square kilometers. Consequently, the cumulative affected region amounts to 345.89 square kilometers. (*)
