Disasters rise in S. Kalimantan

BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: One-hundred and twenty-six disasters were recorded in South Kalimantan this year, a large majority of which were related to forest fires.

"Disasters resulted in material damage exceeding Rp 19.5 billion (US$3.5 million)," said Doyo Pudjadi, head of the disaster division at the local Ministry of Social Services office.

The number of fatalities stood at 153.

Doyo was quoted by Antara as saying that 117 of the 126 recorded disasters were related to the forest fires which hit many parts of the province earlier this year.

"Based on the number of cases there is an increase, of 57 cases, but based on the material damage there is a drop of about Rp 2.2 billion from the previous year," he said as quoted by Antara here yesterday.

He added that the disasters resulted in more than 3,500 homes being destroyed and another 500 damaged. (mds)