In an emergency meeting about safety and disaster response, acting president Han stated that the wildfires have been spreading in a manner that outstrips both existing prediction models and prior expectations.
“This is a full-scale national response,” the acting president affirmed, noting that the government has elevated the crisis to its utmost level of alert.
Information on the Wildfires
Officials from the Ministry of Safety have informed the French AFP news agency that six individuals sustained serious injuries, while around 13 more suffered minor injuries.
Starting on Friday, more than a dozen fires erupted in Sancheong County, located in the southeast of Seoul. These blazes were exacerbated by dry winds and an ongoing drought, which have also impeded rescue efforts.
“Through the night, there was widespread chaos due to power and communication disruptions in several areas and blocked roads,” Han stated.
In excess of a thousand firefighters have been dispatched to combat the fires. Nonetheless, acting president Han conceded that “continuously shifting wind directions and the persistence of dry weather advisories have highlighted the inadequacies of conventional firefighting tactics.”
Thousands of individuals have been required to flee as firefighters strive to manage the conflagration. Among the endangered sites is the Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Detainees in affected counties have also been evacuated from correctional facilities.
Strong winds of up to 25 meters per second hindered helicopter and drone rescue operations.
Evacuation Stories
Many individuals evacuated had to leave on extremely short notice.
“The fire came from the mountain and onto my house,” stated Kwon So-han, a 79-year-old Andong resident, to AFP. “Those who haven’t been through it won’t understand. I could only save myself.”
The government is working to provide shelter and support for those evacuated. Acting president Han reported that many evacuees are being directed to temporary shelters, with authorities aiming to offer emergency relief and financial support.
Rain is forecasted on Wednesday, something authorities hope will provide respite and facilitate rescue operations.
Wildfires are regular occurrences in South Korea during the dry season; however, climate change has intensified their severity.
Edited by: Rana Taha
