UPDATE - South Korea east coast hit by typhoon-class strong winds, wildfires

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By Anadolu Staff

ANKARA (AA) - South Korea's east coast on Tuesday was hit by typhoon-class strong winds that caused wildfires resulting in the evacuation of residents and tourists, local media said.

The strong winds with a speed reaching 30 meters per second blew across the east coast, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Strong wind and dry weather caused huge fires in some areas of Gangneung city, however, no casualties were reported.

According to local fire officials, some 103 hectares of woodland, 28 houses, 12 pension houses and four hotel buildings were gutted.

At least 147 residents and some 700 tourists were evacuated to safe places.

Local authorities also shutdown schools in the affected areas and students were sent back to their home as precautionary measures.

Helicopters were deployed for rescue work but were grounded due to strong winds.

* Writing by Islamuddin Sajid