RIYADH, 1 October 2007 — A number of people affected by a fire that raged through the Yemeni-Kerala markets of downtown Riyadh yesterday blamed the Civil Defense personnel for their indifference to calls for the need for more fire engines and aerial support to bring the flames under control.

Victims interviewed by Arab News said that fire-fighting personnel continued chatting on their cell phones and gave them scant attention when they requested further support.

“The buildings were old and contained a huge stockpile of textile goods that we had imported from India for the Eid. Our entire money has gone up in flames,” Shamir, a shop owner in the area, told Arab News.

Other victims, who felt that a combination of aerial and ground support could have gone a long way in bringing the fire under control, echoed similar views. They said that 12 hours after the fire had started, a helicopter hovered over the area, sprayed foam, and then left. No aerial support was in evidence when Arab News visited the site, which had been cordoned off by the Civil Defense.

However, thick black smoke was visible from an overbridge spanning the Al-Rajhi Buildings and those on the opposite side along King Abdul Aziz Road.

The fire, which broke out in the Yemeni-Kerala area of Batha, was still raging when Arab News visited the site yesterday afternoon. Civil Defense personnel had barred access to the site making it impossible to gauge the effectiveness of fire-fighting operations.

According to eyewitness accounts, a total of 500 shops have been gutted, either fully or partially. Losses are estimated to in millions of riyals.

Asked about their next course of action, Siraj, owner of an electronic and watch shop, said he is in a dilemma.

“We cannot approach the Ministry of Commerce or any other government agency for any compensation, since the property had not been insured against fire. Moreover, the ownership was in the name of our Saudi sponsor. With their source of income dried up, they have also lost interest as sponsors,” Siraj said.

Hussain, another shopkeeper, said he is unable to approach a Saudi commercial bank for financial assistance, since he is not in a position to furnish a guarantee. At the same time, Indian banks back home also cannot bail them out of their current financial difficulties.

Lateef, another shop owner, said, “A question mark hangs over our future.”