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Firefighters in Guryong: Numerous buildings were destroyed
Photo: KIM HONG-JI / REUTERS
Around 500 people were evacuated to safety on Friday after a fire broke out in a settlement in the South Korean capital of Seoul.
According to authorities, the fire broke out early in the morning in Guryong village in southern Seoul.
The settlement is considered one of the last slums in South Korea's capital, more than 600 households live here in a very small space.
According to the fire department, 40 houses have been destroyed so far.
About 140 firefighters are on duty to contain the fire.
It is not yet clear whether there are injuries or deaths.
Government spokeswoman Kim Eun-hye said South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol called for every effort to limit the damage and mobilize all available firefighters.
phw/dpa