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At least 645 people affected by Trans-Baikal wildfires — officials

On April 19 and 20, seventeen settlements were affected by the steppe fires in the south and southeast of the region

CHITA, April 22. /TASS/. Almost 650 people have been affected by the wildfires in Russia’s Trans-Baikal Region, they will receive financial assistance starting Monday, regional representative of the Russian Ministry of Labor and Social Protection informed.

"So far, we can talk about 645 people affected [by the fire], but this number is fluctuating constantly. We have prepared lists for organizing one-time financial assistance for 546 people. The goal set by the region’s head is to start processing these payments today," the representative said.

On April 19 and 20, seventeen settlements were affected by the steppe fires in the south and southeast of the Trans-Baikal region. The fire destroyed 109 buildings and facilities. The number of residents who lost their homes, other property, or suffered in any way during the fires exceeded 400 people. Twenty-nine people received various injuries, four of them are in serious condition. A state of emergency has been declared in the region.

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