“UNIMAGINABLE” WILDFIRES CLAIM AT LEAST 24 LIVES IN SOUTH KOREA

Wed 26 March 2025:

Wildfires in southeastern South Korea have claimed at least 24 lives, authorities confirmed Wednesday, after a firefighting helicopter crashed while attempting to combat the flames.

The blazes have injured 26 people, including 12 in critical condition.

A 73-year-old pilot died when his 30-year-old S-76 helicopter went down during firefighting efforts in Uiseong, roughly 180 kilometers (111.8 miles) southeast of Seoul. In response, officials grounded all firefighting helicopters.

Acting President Han Duck-soo described the wildfires as “the worst ever” in the country’s history and called for “all-out efforts” to stop their spread.

The acting president said the fires have so far burned 17,000 hectares, and destroyed 209 homes and factories.

The blaze also forced the evacuation of about 500 inmates from a prison in North Gyeongsang Province.

__________________________________________________________________________

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22

__________________________________________________________________________

Lee Byung-doo, a forest disaster expert at the country’s National Institute of Forest Science, said the fire in Uiseong exhibited “unimaginable” scale and speed.

The wildfires began late on Friday in Sancheong county in Northern Gyeongsang province before spreading to neighbouring Uiseong county – located about 180km (111 miles) southeast of the capital Seoul – and have advanced into Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok counties.

Officials in Andong and other southeastern cities and towns have ordered residents to evacuate as firefighters struggle to contain the fires, which have burned more than 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) of forest and destroyed hundreds of structures, including the more than 1,000-year-old Gounsa temple in Uiseong.

National treasures stored at the Buddhist temple, which was built in 681, were moved to safety in other areas of the country, Yonhap said.

According to Yonhap, the South Korean military has deployed an estimated 5,000 service members and sent 146 helicopters to help fight the fires alongside thousands of firefighters.

Approximately 500 inmates at a prison have also been transferred to other facilities outside the fire danger zone.

Korea University announced Wednesday that it will offer scholarships to students from the areas affected by the wildfires.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

__________________________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

WhatsApp CHANNEL
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22