At least 18 people have lost their lives, and nearly 20 others are injured as wildfires sweep through South Korea’s southeast region. This disaster is being described as the worst wildfire crisis in the nation’s history, with the acting president, Han Duck-soo, stating that the fires are "rewriting the record books."
The situation remains dire, with more than 23,000 residents evacuated from their homes. The fires have damaged numerous buildings, including cultural heritage sites. Among the losses is a 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple, Gounsa, which was completely destroyed.
On Wednesday, a firefighting helicopter crashed in the mountains of Uiseong county while battling the blazes. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash.
To combat the wildfires, thousands of firefighters and around 5,000 military personnel have been deployed. Helicopters from the U.S. military, stationed in Korea, are also assisting in the efforts. The national fire agency has raised the crisis level to its highest point, marking a significant escalation in the response.
Wildfires are not common in South Korea, and fatalities from such events are rare. However, this recent outbreak has already claimed more lives than any previous wildfires in the country. Approximately 17,000 hectares of forest have been destroyed, making this one of the largest wildfires in South Korea’s history.
The fires began last Friday in Sancheong County and have since spread to nearby areas, including Uiseong, Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok. Strong winds have complicated firefighting efforts, and officials are hoping for rain to help extinguish the flames. Unfortunately, forecasts predict only minimal rainfall in the coming days.
In response to this crisis, the government plans to review its wildfire response strategies once the situation is under control. They aim to improve prevention methods and enhance enforcement against illegal burning, which is a significant cause of wildfires.
With drier than usual conditions this year, South Korea has already seen 244 wildfires, a sharp increase compared to the same period last year. The government is determined to address the factors contributing to these devastating fires and protect the country from future disasters.