Wildfires raging across the southern regions of South Korea have led to at least 18 deaths and left 19 individuals injured, as stated by government officials. The blazes, intensified by dry conditions and powerful winds, have wreaked havoc across vast territories.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who is currently serving as acting president, described the five-day ordeal as causing “unprecedented destruction.” He advised disaster response agencies to brace for the worst possible outcomes, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
In impacted locales such as Andong city and neighboring towns, authorities issued urgent evacuation directives on Tuesday. Firefighters have faced difficulties in managing several fires that have consumed over 17,400 hectares (43,000 acres) of land and resulted in the obliteration of various structures, including a 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple.
Around 5,500 residents were forced to vacate their homes in Andong, Uiseong, Sancheong, and the city of Ulsan, where the wildfires were particularly severe, according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
Despite officials announcing the extinguishing of most flames in affected areas earlier on Tuesday, persistent dry and gusty conditions hindered containment efforts, allowing the flames to reignite.
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Forest disaster specialist Lee Byung-doo from the National Institute of Forest Science pointed out the “unimaginable” magnitude and rapid spread of the Uiseong fire, which is still only 68% contained due to strong winds. He noted the escalating frequency of large-scale wildfires tied to climate change, emphasizing the need for improved resources and personnel.
Nearly 9,000 firefighters, supported by over 130 helicopters and numerous vehicles, have been mobilized to combat the infernos, although operations were momentarily halted overnight due to heightened wind conditions.
Residents in Andong and Uiseong County were instructed to evacuate to safe locations, including schools and indoor gyms, as a fire that began in Uiseong continued to advance. The blaze destroyed Gounsa, a Buddhist temple founded in the seventh century, although reports indicate that some of its national treasures, such as a stone Buddha statue, were successfully salvaged prior to the fire reaching the temple’s structures.
The wildfire also impacted the coastal town of Yeongdeok, leading to road closures and evacuation orders for at least four villages. The justice ministry has not validated local reports regarding the relocation of 2,600 inmates from a nearby prison in Cheongsong County, adjacent to Uiseong.
Climate change has been recognized as a critical factor contributing to the heightened wildfire risk, with scientific evidence suggesting an increased probability of larger burned areas worldwide. The wildfire season has expanded by an average of two weeks globally due to climate breakdown.