South Korea's Yoon Suk Yeol Seeks Government Aid for Wildfire Relief Efforts in Los Angeles
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Seoul, Jan 13 (NationPress) President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea called on the government on Monday to extend support for the ongoing efforts to tackle the wildfires in Los Angeles, in what marks his second Facebook update since his impeachment last month.
In his post, Yoon conveyed his condolences and regret as the destructive fires in Los Angeles continued to escalate.
"If help is needed, I urge the government to provide support and exert every effort to avert any harm to our fellow compatriots," Yoon stated.
"The United States is our invaluable ally that stood by South Korea during its most challenging times, and Los Angeles is home to the largest community of our compatriots globally," he mentioned.
Yoon expressed his heartfelt sympathies and comfort to the victims of the fires and sent his "sincere condolences" to the American people, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
"I genuinely hope that the wildfires are suppressed and the damages are promptly addressed," he wrote.
This was Yoon's second Facebook message since his impeachment on December 14 due to a brief martial law declaration, following a condolence message on December 29 concerning the tragic Jeju Air plane crash.
Meanwhile, the death toll from the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles has climbed to 24.
The wildfires continued to blaze through Los Angeles County, marking a catastrophic "Black Swan" event of unparalleled magnitude in the history of the United States' most populous county.
Among the ongoing fires, the Palisades Fire has consumed 19,978 acres (80.85 square km) with only six percent containment as of Thursday night. In contrast, the Eaton Fire has scorched 13,690 acres (55.4 square km) and remains entirely uncontained, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.
Residents like Michael, an accountant in Altadena where the Eaton Fire ignited, have experienced life-altering devastation. He was evacuated just moments before flames engulfed his home.
"It's akin to living through Armageddon," he said, holding back tears. "We've lost everything."
According to Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, the wildfires, which began Tuesday night, rank among the county's most catastrophic natural disasters. Over 10,000 buildings have been destroyed thus far, primarily due to the Palisades and Eaton fires.
