At least 19 dead as wildfires rage across South Korea

Post by: Bandan Preet

Photo: AFP

At least 19 people have lost their lives, and nearly 20 others have been injured as massive wildfires continue to spread across South Korea’s southeastern region. Firefighters and soldiers are working tirelessly to control the fast-moving flames, which have forced thousands of people to flee their homes.

The fires started over the weekend, with more than a dozen breaking out in different areas. Around 27,000 people had to evacuate urgently to escape the danger. As of Wednesday morning, the Korea Forest Service reported that at least five major wildfires were still burning. The situation worsened as strong winds helped the flames move quickly, destroying entire neighborhoods and even burning down an ancient temple.

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Authorities confirmed that 18 people were killed directly by the fires, while another victim, a helicopter pilot, lost his life when his aircraft crashed while fighting the flames in Uiseong.

According to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, four of the victims were found on a road late Tuesday night. They had tried to escape the fire by car, but their vehicle overturned, and they were trapped in the flames.

The fires first broke out on Friday night in Sancheong County, located in North Gyeongsang Province. From there, they spread rapidly to nearby areas, including Uiseong, Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok. These areas are about 180 kilometers (111 miles) southeast of the country’s capital, Seoul.

Officials in Andong and other affected cities have urged residents to evacuate as the fires continue to spread. So far, the wildfires have burned more than 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) of forest and destroyed hundreds of buildings. Among them was the historic Gounsa Temple in Uiseong, which was over 1,000 years old. Thankfully, national treasures stored at the temple were safely moved to another location before the fire reached the site.

Authorities have also issued a warning for Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cultural significance and popularity among tourists. The fire is currently about 8 kilometers (4.9 miles) away from the village. Firefighters are on standby, using fire trucks and spraying water around the area to prevent the flames from spreading further.

Lee Byung-doo, a forest disaster expert from South Korea’s National Institute of Forest Science, described the wildfire in Uiseong as far more destructive than anyone had expected.

The country’s acting President, Han Duck-soo, acknowledged the severity of the disaster, saying that the wildfires had gone beyond what any prediction models had foreseen.

“Fires have been burning for five straight days in Ulsan and the Gyeongsang region, causing unimaginable destruction,” Han said. “The way these fires are spreading is beyond what we have ever anticipated.”

To help control the situation, South Korea’s military has sent about 5,000 troops and 146 helicopters to support the thousands of firefighters battling the flames. In addition, about 500 prisoners have been transferred from a nearby prison to other facilities outside the fire danger zone for safety.

The situation remains critical, and authorities are doing everything possible to prevent further loss of life and damage.

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