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Wildfires in South Korea claim at least 19 lives.
South Korea is battling one of its worst wildfire outbreaks, with at least 19 people killed and thousands forced to evacuate. Strong winds and dry conditions have fueled the flames, destroying over 17,000 hectares of land. Firefighting efforts have been hindered by extreme weather, including a helicopter crash that killed a pilot. Authorities warn that worsening climate conditions are making wildfires more frequent, with experts linking the disaster to rising temperatures and prolonged drought.
ANDONG, South Korea — At least 19 people have lost their lives in one of South Korea’s most severe wildfire outbreaks, which has caused unprecedented destruction, Acting President Han Duck-soo announced Wednesday.
The fires, which ignited over the weekend, have devastated parts of the southeast, forcing around 27,000 residents to flee as flames cut off roads and disrupted communication networks. Overnight, the death toll rose to 19, including 18 wildfire victims and a helicopter pilot who died in a crash while battling the flames.
Extent of the Damage
The Ministry of the Interior reported that 17,398 hectares (42,991 acres) have burned, with Uiseong County accounting for 87% of the total damage.
Authorities raised the crisis alert to its highest level, even relocating thousands of inmates from prisons in affected areas.
Unprecedented Wildfire Conditions
Acting President Han acknowledged the fires are exceeding prediction models, warning that ongoing strong winds and dry conditions are worsening the situation.
Firefighting helicopters were deployed but had to be grounded after the helicopter crash on Wednesday. More than 25-meter-per-second winds have made aerial and drone operations impossible.
Impact on Communities
Evacuees in Andong described the rapid spread of fire, with many forced to leave their homes with nothing but the clothes they were wearing.
“The fire came from the mountain and engulfed my house,” said 79-year-old Kwon So-han, explaining how the intense wind-driven flames left him with no time to save his belongings.
Authorities are now focusing on protecting Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as wildfires edge dangerously close.
Climate Change Connection
Experts believe climate change is exacerbating wildfire risks, with South Korea experiencing its hottest year on record in 2023. Professor Yeh Sang-Wook from Hanyang University stated that rising temperatures and drier conditions increase the likelihood of wildfires, making such disasters more frequent.
Investigations suggest that the major fire in Uiseong may have started accidentally when a person tending to a family grave ignited a small fire that quickly spread out of control.
Source:https://globalnation.inquirer.net/270074/south-korea-wildfires-leave-at-least-19-dead
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