Ancient Temple in South Korea Destroyed as Wildfires Force Evacuations
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On March 25, wildfires in South Korea's southeastern region led to widespread evacuations as firefighting efforts struggled against the rapidly spreading flames, which destroyed a centuries-old temple.
Key Takeaways
- Wildfires in southeastern South Korea triggered evacuations.
- Gounsa Temple, established in A.D. 681, was destroyed.
- UNESCO's Hahoe Folk Village is at risk.
- Emergency response level raised to Level 3.
- Military assistance of 5,000 personnel deployed.
Seoul, March 25 (NationPress) Wildfires sweeping through South Korea's southeastern region have led to additional evacuations on Tuesday, as firefighting teams face challenges in controlling the swiftly advancing flames that have obliterated a historic temple.
The fires ignited in Sancheong County on Friday and have since spread to the nearby areas of Uiseong, Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok within North Gyeongsang Province, according to firefighting officials.
The blazing inferno has consumed Gounsa Temple in Uiseong, a revered site established in A.D. 681 during the Silla Dynasty (57 B.C.-A.D. 935). Fortunately, national treasures housed in the temple had been moved to safer locations.
Authorities have indicated that the UNESCO-listed Hahoe Folk Village in Andong is under threat from the fires, prompting them to mobilize all possible resources to safeguard it.
South Korea's Acting President Han Duck-soo has mandated local governments to utilize all available administrative resources for the evacuation of residents in wildfire-affected zones.
He has also instructed relevant agencies to deploy all necessary equipment and personnel to extinguish the wildfires swiftly.
The National Fire Agency has raised the emergency response level to the highest tier, Level 3.
The wildfires, exacerbated by strong and dry winds, have scorched over 14,000 acres of forest since the outbreak, resulting in the evacuation of thousands, including all residents of Andong.
Over 3,000 firefighters, along with numerous helicopters and vehicles, have been dispatched to combat the flames.
As of Friday, around 5,000 military personnel and 146 helicopters have been sent to assist in tackling the wildfires that have been raging in the southeastern region, according to Yonhap news agency.
Tragically, six individuals, including four firefighters, have lost their lives in the Sancheong fire, with several others sustaining injuries.
Train services and highway traffic in the southeastern region were suspended as of Tuesday afternoon, as reported by state railway and highway operators.
