Deadly Wildfires Devastate 30 Towns and Villages in Siberia

UPDATED

Ferocious fires kill 17, injure 500, destroy 1,000 homes in Siberia’s Khakassia region

Deadly grassland fires in the Siberian region of Khakassia have destroyed about 1,000 homes in more than 30 communities, killing at least 17 people, injuring about 500 others, with 77 victims hospitalized, a dozen of them in serious condition, according to officials.

The raging fires, fanned by strong winds and abnormally high temperatures, have also killed scores of farm animals, including at least 700 cattle and some 3,000 sheep, said the reports.

Authorities have declared a state of emergency, as more than 5,000 rescuers attempt to bring the fire under control.

Wildfires are also raging out of control in the region of Chita in eastern Siberia, said reports, where at least two of the fatalities have occurred.

The following video was posted on Youtube, available only in the original language.