Wildfires in South Korea have led to the deaths of two firefighters and the evacuation of hundreds of residents. A state of national disaster has been declared as authorities struggle to control multiple blazes exacerbated by strong winds.
Tragic Wildfires Claim Lives and Displace Hundreds in South Korea
Tragic Wildfires Claim Lives and Displace Hundreds in South Korea
Two firefighters dead as wildfires wreak havoc across the southeast region of the country
At least two lives have been claimed by the unrelenting wildfires currently sweeping across South Korea, leading to widespread evacuations and a declaration of national disaster. Reports from the local news agency Yonhap confirm that two firefighters lost their lives while responding to the flames in Sancheong County, situated in the southeast region of the country. Tragically, two additional firefighters are reported missing amidst the chaos, according to the Korea Forest Service.
Authorities declared a national disaster at 18:00 local time (09:00 GMT), which encompasses Ulsan city along with North and South Gyeongsang provinces. In response to the unfolding crisis, over 200 residents in eight villages were ordered to evacuate their homes to ensure safety from the advancing fires in Sancheong County.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok expressed his grave concern and instructed all available resources be utilized to extinguish the fires before sunset. However, the strong winds that raged through the area, approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) southeast of the capital Seoul, complicated firefighting efforts significantly.
In addition to the devastating fires in Sancheong County, another blaze in Uiseong County prompted the evacuation of over 400 residents due to similar fears for safety. The Korea Forest Service has intensified its warnings, declaring serious wildfire alerts in at least 12 locations, which include major cities like Busan and the central city of Daejeon as the nation grapples with the destruction brought by these wildfires.
