Wind-Driven Wildfires Devastate Southern South Korea, Leaving 18 Dead and Forcing Thousands to Evacuate
Massive wildfires, among the worst in South Korea’s history, have swept through the country’s southern regions, claiming 18 lives, destroying over 200 structures, and displacing around 27,000 people, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The fires, which ignited last Friday, have burned approximately 43,330 acres of land, damaging homes, factories, vehicles, and even an ancient Buddhist temple, according to the government’s emergency response center. Acting President Han Duck-soo, in a televised address, described the situation as more severe than many previous wildfires.
“The destruction is rapidly escalating,” Han said, warning that the country might witness wildfire damage on an unprecedented scale. He urged all available resources to be mobilized to contain the fires by the end of the week.
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Efforts to control the flames have been hampered by strong overnight winds. Nearly 4,650 firefighters, soldiers, and emergency personnel have been deployed, assisted by around 130 helicopters. Authorities anticipate some relief with light rainfall of 5-10 millimeters expected on Thursday.
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Several southeastern cities and towns, including Andong, Uiseong, Sancheong, and Ulsan, saw mass evacuations on Tuesday as firefighters struggled to control the fast-spreading blazes, fueled by dry and gusty winds. Observers say that in terms of land scorched, these wildfires rank as the third-largest in South Korea’s history.
