Synopsis
Firefighters face significant challenges in containing the worst wildfires in South Korea's history, which have claimed 26 lives and injured 30 in North Gyeongsang Province. Thousands are displaced, and efforts are ongoing to manage the situation amidst difficult conditions.Key Takeaways
- 26 fatalities reported from wildfires.
- 30 individuals injured due to the blazes.
- Approximately 36,000 hectares of forest burned.
- About 37,000 people displaced from their homes.
- Acting President directs relief efforts in affected areas.
Seoul, March 27 (NationPress) Firefighters utilizing helicopters are facing challenges in managing the worst wildfires in the nation’s history on Thursday, which have devastated South Korea’s southeastern province of North Gyeongsang. The death toll from these fires has reached 26, with an additional 30 individuals reported injured.
Since last Friday, a series of wildfires has swept through the region, affecting approximately 36,000 hectares (ha) of forested land, according to government data.
This figure surpasses the previous record of 23,794 ha affected by the wildfires on the east coast in 2000.
About 37,000 residents have been displaced, with 29,911 in the Uiseong and Andong areas of North Gyeongsang Province.
Earlier today, acting South Korean President Han Duck-soo directed acting Interior Minister Ko Ki-dong to reside in North Gyeongsang Province to oversee relief efforts for wildfire victims until the situation is stabilized.
“It is concerning that many of the victims are elderly, including patients from nursing facilities,” Han remarked.
“Please ensure the health and safety of the victims on-site and implement an effective support system to prevent burnout among wildfire-extinguishing personnel and volunteers,” he added.
In North Gyeongsang Province, authorities have resumed efforts to control the wildfires.
Forestry officials commenced deploying helicopters, fire trucks, and firefighting teams at 6:30 a.m. to tackle the blaze that originated in Uiseong County, approximately 180 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Saturday, which has rapidly expanded due to strong winds, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
Weather officials have indicated that about 5 mm of rain is anticipated in North Gyeongsang Province.
The wildfires in the area are believed to have resulted in the deaths of 21 individuals, including four in Andong, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hahoe Folk Village, and eight in Yeongdeok County.
Efforts to control the wildfires near Hahoe Folk Village and Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy also, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Andong, showed signs of improvement overnight.
A forestry official mentioned that helicopters were prepared for deployment to the region but noted that weather conditions could hinder operations in the morning.
Water supply has been interrupted in certain areas of Andong for the second day, leading the city government to provide bottled water and emergency supplies to residents.
Nearly 2,500 residences in the city have experienced power failures, with officials still working to restore electricity to 177 of them.
The neighboring county of Yeongdeok also faced water and power outages after a water purification facility burned down, leading to electricity cutoffs at another facility and a power substation ceasing operations.
Communication services were also disrupted in the county overnight but were restored early Thursday.
More than 33,000 individuals in the province have been displaced, with about 15,400 yet to return to their homes. An estimated total of 2,448 houses have been damaged by the wildfires.
