The Korean government designated two areas linked to the sinking of the ferry Sewol as special disaster zones.

Jindo and Ansan were named special disaster zones and it is likely to speed up state financial support for those affected by the incident.

Officials say the state support would include a waiver of taxes, public utility costs as well as assistance in psychological treatment of the victims’ families.

The 6,825-ton ferry carrying 476 people on board sank off the country’s southwestern island Jindo on April 16. As of Monday morning, 174 people have been rescued, with 244 others missing and 58 declared dead.

By Um Yoon-sun (uys@heraldcorp.com)