South Korea: Severe Wildfires Controlled in Gyeongsang Regions
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Synopsis
Authorities in South Korea have announced the containment of the worst wildfires in the history of the nation, which affected North and South Gyeongsang provinces, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life.
Key Takeaways
- Wildfires in North and South Gyeongsang fully contained.
- Approximately 75 casualties and 30 deaths reported.
- Over 48,000 hectares of land affected.
- Government plans to support displaced residents.
- Investigation underway for suspected arson.
Seoul, March 30 (NationPress) Authorities announced on Sunday that the extensive wildfires that devastated the provinces of North and South Gyeongsang for more than a week have been completely contained.
During a meeting at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH), Acting Interior Minister Ko Ki-dong confirmed that the main fire responsible for the damage across both provinces has been fully extinguished, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
"These wildfires are believed to have led to the highest level of loss in terms of both lives and property in our nation's history," Ko stated.
The CDSCH indicated that the wildfire in North Gyeongsang, which ignited on March 22, was fully controlled by Friday, while the fire in South Gyeongsang, which began a day earlier, was managed earlier on Sunday.
This catastrophic event resulted in 75 casualties, including 30 fatalities, and devastated approximately 48,000 hectares of land. Over 3,000 homes were lost, alongside 30 cultural heritage sites and around 2,000 agricultural facilities.
The government is planning to establish temporary shelters in training centers and private facilities to assist displaced residents and facilitate their return to normalcy.
Victims will receive emergency relief funds alongside psychological and medical support.
Earlier reports from forestry officials indicated that the major fires in South Gyeongsang Province were under control as of 1 p.m. on Sunday, nearly ten days post-outbreak.
These wildfires have burned around 1,858 hectares of forest, which is roughly equivalent to 2,600 football fields.
The military deployed 600 soldiers and 49 helicopters on Sunday to help extinguish the last remnants of the fire and provide necessary assistance.
Additionally, police have apprehended a man suspected of igniting the significant wildfires in North Gyeongsang Province.
The 56-year-old suspect allegedly started the fire around 11:25 a.m. on March 22 while conducting an ancestral rite at a family grave on a hill in Uiseong County, North Gyeongsang Province.
The fire spread quickly to nearby areas including Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok due to strong winds and dry conditions.
The wildfires also devastated around 4,000 structures, including Goun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in addition to homes, factories, and other facilities.
The suspect has denied the charges, as reported by police.
The Korea Forest Service previously announced that the wildfires in North Gyeongsang Province were fully controlled by 5 p.m. Friday before they reignited overnight.
Approximately 48,000 hectares of forest, which is about 80 percent the size of Seoul, have been scorched in this unprecedented wildfire disaster in South Korea, according to the forestry agency.
The fire originated in Sancheong County and spread to Mount Jiri National Park but was largely contained by Sunday, with efforts ongoing to extinguish the remaining 200-meter fire on the park's outskirts.
Authorities mobilized 50 helicopters, 1,473 personnel, and 213 vehicles, beginning at dawn, to suppress the blaze, which was 99 percent contained by 8 a.m.
Police intend to initiate a collaborative investigation as early as next week in conjunction with the National Institute of Forest Science, the National Forensic Service, and fire authorities.
