During the past night, rain and lower temperatures helped firefighters in their efforts against the severe wildfires that have targeted the southeastern region of South Korea, resulting in 28 fatalities and the displacement of numerous people.

This area is facing its most serious wildfire episode in known history.

On Friday, the national forest service of South Korea reported that a forest fire in Yeongdeok county, among others affecting the country’s southeastern region, had been brought under control.

According to authorities, by early Friday, 95% of the fires in Uiseong county and 85% of those in the adjacent Andong city had been extinguished.

“Thanks to last night’s rain, the visibility has improved, and the lower temperatures now make it much more favorable to fight the fires,” stated Korea Forest Service Minister Lim Sang-seop.

Minister Lim also declared that every available resource will be utilized “to aim for containing the major fires today.”

Climate change exacerbating the situation

The wildfires, initially reported in Uiseong, spread at an alarming speed and have now ravaged 45,000 hectares of land, encompassing historic sites, and forced over 37,000 people to flee their homes.

More than 125 helicopters were deployed to assist firefighting teams that were previously struggling with strong winds and dry conditions.

Lee Cheol-woo, the governor of North Gyeongsang Province, demanded an update to firefighting strategies.

“We are in a national emergency with numerous casualties due to the unprecedented pace at which the wildfires have expanded,” said acting President Han Duck-soo at a government response meeting.

Experts caution that climate change is making such fires more frequent and intense.

Edited by Sean Sinico