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SKorea declares oil-hit district a disaster zone: official
SEOUL
Petroleumworld.com 1211 07South Korea on Tuesday declared a disaster zone in the west coast region hit by the country's worst oil spill, making residents eligible for quick help and greater compensation.
Park Myung-Jae, minister of government administration and home affairs, said the zone covers parts of two cities and of four counties including Taean, which is 110 kilometres (69 miles) southwest of Seoul.
Authorities will provide state subsidies and other financial support as well as tax cuts and medical services, he told reporters.
" The government will make all-out efforts by mobilising manpower and equipment as much as possible for rehabilitation," he said.
The designation means local governments and residents will receive more financial aid than normally provided to victims of natural disasters.
The ministry did not provide figures but Park earlier vowed immediate aid of 5.9 billion won (6.4 million dollars).
Some 150 kilometres (94 miles) of coastline has been coated with crude oil since a drifting barge holed a supertanker last Friday. Officials fear large damage to fish farms and tourism.
Story from AFP 11 0619 GMT 12 07
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