S. Kalimantan flood, fire deaths rise

BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Fifteen people died in floods and fires this year in South Kalimantan, a senior government official said on Tuesday.

That was an increase from the 10 people who died in similar circumstances last year, said Husni Indar, an official with the provincial welfare office. Another 13 people were injured and thousands left homeless by flooding and fires, he said.

There were only 59 recorded fires in the province last year, but that figure rose to 94 in 2005, accounting for the higher number of fatalities, Husni said. --Antara