Thousands of Riau residents face famine

PEKANBARU: Around 10,000 residents in 16 villages of Kampar regency, Riau, are isolated and facing possible famine due to deep mud that has blocked a major road connecting the area with cities over the past two weeks.

Masrul, Batu Sasak village chief, said Wednesday the mud had damaged 15 kilometers from a total of 75 kilometers planned as an alternative road linking Riau with West Sumatra.

"On rainy days, motorcycles are the only mode of transport that can pass on the damaged road," Masrul said. "As a result, daily costs rise by up to 50 percent following limited supplies from vendors in Lipat Kain, the capital of Kampar Kiri District."

He added that residents had complained about low income, as they could not sell rubber and other natural resources. - JP