MOSCOW, December 26 (RIA Novosti) - The death toll from a gas explosion in an apartment building in southern Ukraine has risen to 24, the Vesti 24 TV channel reported on Friday, citing the Ukrainian emergencies ministry.

A total of 21 people have been rescued from the debris, and the rescue operation is ongoing. The number of missing is unknown.

The powerful blast ripped through the five-story apartment block in a quiet suburb of the resort town of Yevpatoriya late Wednesday. According to preliminary information, oxygen containers kept in the basement may have exploded.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who made a personal visit to Yevpatoriya on Thursday, promised compensation to those injured and the families of the killed. She said $12,800 would be paid for every victim, while those left homeless would be given new housing later this year.

The government has already allocated $9 million to help those affected by the deadly blast.

Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko also visited the scene. He declared Friday a day of mourning for those killed in the incident.