ADDIS ABABA, July 18 (Xinhua) -- More than 1,800 houses have been destroyed, with a great number of businesses burnt, after a blaze broke out in Dallol district of northeast Ethiopia's Afar region.

Ismail Ali, the district's administrator, told Xinhua over the phone that the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, leaving 600 shops, 950 restaurants, and 255 houses completely damaged.

The fire has been controlled at the moment, while the cause and the casualties of the fire still remain unclear, according to the administrator. ■