South Korea: Four Lives Lost as Wildfires Sweep Southeastern Region

Synopsis

On March 23, South Korean officials reported that four people died, six were injured, and about 1,500 were evacuated due to wildfires in the southeastern region, ignited by strong winds. The fires have devastated over 3,000 hectares, and firefighters are struggling to contain the blaze amid political unrest in the country.

Key Takeaways

At least four fatalities reported.
Six injuries confirmed, with five in serious condition.
Approximately 1,500 residents evacuated.
Wildfires affected over 3,286 hectares of land.
Firefighters using 30 helicopters to combat the flames.

Seoul, March 23 (NationPress) At least four individuals have lost their lives, while six others sustained injuries, and around 1,500 residents have been evacuated due to wildfires driven by strong winds that have devastated parts of South Korea's southeastern region, according to disaster management officials on Sunday.

The blaze originated in Sancheong County, located roughly 250 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Friday and has since spread to surrounding areas.

Among the injured, five individuals have suffered serious injuries. All casualties were reported from Sancheong, as stated by the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters.

Lee Han-kyung, the deputy chief of the disaster control tower, has directed fire officials to utilize all available resources to swiftly control the wildfires.

"Wildfires are rapidly extending to wider areas due to dry conditions, endangering lives," Lee remarked during a disaster response meeting, pledging comprehensive efforts to extinguish the flames.

Firefighters have been battling to manage the situation, with approximately 30 helicopters deployed for firefighting efforts. Reports from Yonhap news agency indicated that as of early Sunday, the fire in Sancheong was about 30 percent contained.

A total of 3,286.11 hectares of land—equivalent to nearly 4,600 football fields—has been scorched thus far, with more than 1,000 hectares destroyed in Euiseong in North Gyeongsang Province and Sancheong.

Approximately 1,500 residents have been moved to temporary shelters as efforts to control the fires continue.

As of 8 a.m., firefighters were engaged in extinguishing wildfires in four locations throughout the southeastern region.

The blazes are devastating the nation during a period of significant political unrest in South Korea, sparked by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief declaration of martial law in December. Currently, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is serving as the acting president.

Typically, South Korea's wildfire season peaks in spring, when dry conditions and strong winds elevate the risk of fires spreading swiftly. Officials have cautioned about ongoing hazards in the upcoming days due to unstable weather conditions.