South Korea’s Worst-Ever Wildfires: 27 Dead, 32 Injured, and Thousands Displaced
SEOUL, March 27 (BERNAMA-YONHAP) – South Korea’s firefighters, using helicopters and soldiers, are struggling to contain the nation’s worst-ever wildfires, which have ravaged the southeastern province of North Gyeongsang, with the death toll from the blazes reaching 27 and another 32 people injured.
Overview of the Situation
Since last Friday, a wave of wildfires has swept through the region, burning some 36,000 hectares of woodland, according to government data. This is nearly 13,000 hectares more than the 23,794 hectares damaged by the east coast wildfires in 2000, which were the worst in the nation’s history at the time.
Displacement and Relief Efforts
About 37,000 people have been displaced, including 29,911 in the Uiseong and Andong areas of North Gyeongsang Province. Acting President Han Duck-soo has instructed acting Interior Minister Ko Ki-dong to remain in North Gyeongsang Province and oversee relief efforts for wildfire victims until the blazes are brought under control.
International Support
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya has issued a message of condolence to the wildfire victims in Korea, expressing hope for a "fast recovery of affected people and their return to normal life." Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Koichi Mizushima also delivered a message of consolation to the victims.
Efforts to Contain the Blazes
In North Gyeongsang Province, intense efforts have been under way to limit the spread of wildfires. Authorities have mobilized helicopters, fire trucks, and firefighting personnel to battle the blaze that began in Uiseong County, about 180 kilometres southeast of Seoul, on Saturday and has rapidly spread due to strong winds. A main blaze in Uiseong, which was moving at speeds of up to 8 kilometres per hour, spread northeast and reached coastal areas along the East Sea. Another major blaze in Ulju, however, showed signs of being extinguished, according to Ulsan Mayor Kim Doo-kyum.
Challenges and Challenges Ahead
Water was cut off in some parts of Andong for the second day, prompting the city government to supply bottled water and emergency provisions to residents. Nearly 2,500 houses in the city experienced power outages, with officials still working to restore electricity to 177 of them. The nearby county of Yeongdeok also suffered water and power disruptions, as a water purification plant burned down, electricity was cut off to another plant, and a power substation halted operations.
Conclusion
The government has designated the hardest-hit southeastern regions as disaster zones to focus resources and accelerate recovery efforts. As the situation remains critical, it is crucial that international support and aid are provided to help the affected communities recover from this devastating disaster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the death toll from the wildfires?
A: 27 people have died as a result of the wildfires.
Q: How many people have been injured?
A: 32 people have been injured.
Q: How many hectares of woodland have been burned?
A: Some 36,000 hectares of woodland have been burned.
Q: How many people have been displaced?
A: About 37,000 people have been displaced.
Q: What is the current situation regarding relief efforts?
A: Acting President Han Duck-soo has instructed acting Interior Minister Ko Ki-dong to remain in North Gyeongsang Province and oversee relief efforts for wildfire victims until the blazes are brought under control.
Q: What is the current situation regarding international support?
A: Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya has issued a message of condolence to the wildfire victims in Korea, expressing hope for a "fast recovery of affected people and their return to normal life." Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Koichi Mizushima also delivered a message of consolation to the victims.