Jakarta – Thousands of poor people in Banggai and Banggai Islands in Central Sulawesi are reportedly facing famine, following the sharp decrease in theLuwuk logistics sub-depot's rice stocks, Antara reported.

"The rice stock in our warehouse has gone down to 920 tons, which only sufficient to supply the people for one week," Luwuk logistics sub-depot chief Nicolas Mawuntu said on Friday. He did not elaborate further.

He said that it was clear that the long drought had caused widespread harvest failure in his work area. He also cited pests as another factor for the sharp drop in local rice production.

To prevent the danger of famine in the twoneighboring districts, he urged the provincial administration to send in new supply.