Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli is following up a massive fire that has engulfed palm farms in Dakhla township of the New Valley, said the cabinet on Friday.

The premier has phoned ministers concerned on measures taken so far to extinguish the fire and guarantee the safety of residents.

He was assured that no deaths occurred, said the cabinet, adding that some people who sustained minor injuries have been moved to hospitals.

Earlier, a state of emergency was announced to put out the massive fire which broke out in palm farms in Rashidah village.

The step was taken by New Valley Governor Mohamed el-Zamllout, who ordered all executive bodies to offer all forms of assistance to contain the flames.

Twenty fire engines and water tankers have been deployed to the scene as the fire spread to large areas of lands, fueled by strong winds.

MENA