S. Korea declares national emergency as wildfire burns

<p>By Riyaz ul Khaliq </p> <p>ANKARA (AA) – A massive wildfire has engulfed forests near South Korea’s eastern coasts, later spreading to urban regions, local media reported Friday. </p> <p>According to Yonhap news agency, the blaze has spread into cities near the affected region, leaving one dead, 35 injured and thousands homeless. </p> <p>The government has declared a national emergency, mobilizing all resources to bring the inferno under control, the report said. </p> <p>Originating in the mountainous Goseong region, later spreading to various cities including Sokcho, Gangneung and Donghae within hours. </p> <p>&quot;Over 13,000 rescue officials from across the nation battled to contain the fire,&quot; said the report, noting that the damage caused by the conflagration had reached &quot;unprecedented&quot; levels.</p> <p>&quot;The government declared a state of national disaster for the affected areas as of 9 a.m. [0000GMT], enabling swift provisions of relief supplies and other resources necessary to minimize the damage,&quot; Yonhap added. </p><br>