Rp 11 billion goes up in flames

BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: A blaze that swept through the Pagatan business center on Sunday caused an estimated loss of more than Rp 11 billion (US$4.8 million), an official said yesterday.

The fire, which was put out five hours after it started, destroyed 270 houses, 10 shops, four inns and 600 kiosks, spokesman for the provincial government Mahmud Dimiyati said.

The government has set up tents and provided 11 tons of rice for the 1,366 people who lost their homes in the disaster, he said as reported by Antara. (pan)