More than 29 wildfires erupted in southeastern South Korea, leading to four deaths and several injuries, while thousands of firefighters battled the flames against challenging weather. The situation resulted in the evacuation of residents and disruption of local services.
Devastating Wildfires in South Korea Claim Lives and Cause Mass Displacement
Devastating Wildfires in South Korea Claim Lives and Cause Mass Displacement
A series of wildfires in southeastern South Korea result in multiple fatalities and injuries over the weekend, prompting evacuations and government intervention.
In a tragic series of events, nearly 30 wildfires broke out across southeastern South Korea over the weekend, leading to the deaths of four individuals and injuries to six others, as reported by officials on Sunday. Thousands of firefighters, supplemented by dozens of helicopters, were deployed to tackle 29 blazes that scorched at least 4,700 acres and necessitated the evacuation of around 1,000 residents, according to the Interior Ministry.
The wildfires also caused significant disruptions, including halted train services and the closure of various roads. By Saturday evening, the government declared a state of disaster in parts of the region. Fortunately, by Sunday morning, all but six of the fires had been brought under control, the Ministry confirmed.
The fatalities and injuries were primarily linked to a fire that ignited in Sancheong County, located roughly 160 miles southeast of Seoul. The fire, believed to have started from a farmer's lawn mower on Friday afternoon, resulted in serious injuries for five of the six affected individuals. Among the dead were at least two firefighters.
Additionally, a separate blaze emerged Saturday morning at a cemetery in Euiseong County, about 110 miles southeast of Seoul, while another fire erupted from a garbage incinerator in Gimhae, approximately 20 miles from Busan. By Sunday morning, officials reported that the fire in Sancheong was around 30 percent contained, whereas the situation in Euiseong remained critical at just 3 percent containment, although fire officials anticipated achieving control by day’s end.
The Korea Meteorological Administration indicated that the combination of dry and windy conditions this time of year has made it increasingly challenging to manage and contain these wildfires, as March, April, and May are considered some of the driest months in South Korea.
