ABAKAN, April 14. /TASS/. Wildfires raging in the Siberian Republic of Khakassia have left some 4,700 people homeless, the local government said on Tuesday.
Russian Emergencies Minister Vladimir Puchkov said that homes lost in wildfires would be restored within six months.
"I am convinced that in six months we will build new houses and you will move to new homes by winter," Puchkov told local residents.
Local meteorologists have warned of strong winds which could cause more fires in Khakasia where 23 people had already died in wildfires.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that President Vladimir Putin had no plans so far to visit Khakassia.
Peskov assured that Putin was keeping the wildfire situation under control.
He said the firefighting "work was prompt and effective but significantly hampered by weather conditions."