The South Korean government declared a state of national disaster today due to large fires in southeastern regions, in which four people have died.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Security announced that the measure went into effect in Ulsan city, North Gyeongsang Province and South Gyeongsang Province from 18 p.m. local time, Yonhap reported.
The announcement followed a recommendation by Acting President Choi Sang-mok to issue a declaration to implement comprehensive disaster relief measures and recovery efforts.
Choi also ordered government officials to consider designating the affected areas as special disaster zones, Tanjug reports.
The ministry said that, just before the declaration, the Central Disaster and Security Headquarters, chaired by Acting Home Affairs Minister Ko Ki-dong, began operations.
South Korea has mobilized about 1,3 officials and 120 pieces of equipment to contain the fire that broke out in Sanchong County in the southeast of the country.
By 13 p.m., about 70 percent of the fire, which broke out the previous day, had been extinguished, according to fire and forestry authorities, Yonhap reported.
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