Fires extinguished in 17 of 42 fire-stricken Khakassia localities - emergencies ministry
MOSCOW. April 12 (Interfax) - The Russian Emergency Situations Ministry's Khakassia department said fires have been put out in 17 of the republic's 42 fire-stricken localities.
"Fires have been extinguished completely in 17 populated areas and localized in 16, where the firefighting effort is almost over," it said in a statement on its website on Sunday.
Fires are still raging in seven localities.
Forty-two populated areas were enveloped in flames in Khakassia on Sunday, earlier reports said.
"Numerous household fires are being suppressed in some 40 populated areas all across the republic. The flames mostly spread to residential buildings in rural areas. Preliminary reports indicate that more than 900 houses caught fire. It would be premature to provide final figures," the statement says.
The local government and emergency situations department are aiding the victims, providing them with medical and psychological care. Food and first necessities are available at temporary shelters for those who have lost their homes. Emergencies groups are working in all districts of Khakassia.