Wildfires in South Korea have turned deadly, with at least 18 people confirmed dead and 19 injured. This situation has been labeled a “crisis” by acting president Han Duck-soo, who stated that these wildfires are setting records for destruction.
The fires have led to the evacuation of over 23,000 people. Tragically, several heritage sites have been lost, including a 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple. As firefighters tackle the flames, a helicopter crash in Uiseong County has added to the challenges; authorities are looking into the cause.
Around 5,000 military personnel, along with thousands of firefighters and support from US military helicopters, are working to control the multiple blazes. Recently, the national fire agency raised the crisis level to the highest alert for the first time this year.
Wildfires are rare in South Korea, making this series of events particularly concerning. Already, these fires have become the deadliest on record, claiming lives within just a few days. Approximately 17,000 hectares of forest have been lost, marking some of the largest wildfires in the country’s history.
Notably, the Gounsa Temple, built in 618 AD, was among the significant structures destroyed. A national treasure from the Joseon Dynasty was also lost. President Han has emphasized that all resources are being used, but strong winds are complicating firefighting efforts. Unfortunately, there’s no rain in sight to help extinguish the blazes, with only a small amount expected soon.
The government is looking to improve wildfire response strategies once the immediate threat is contained. This year has already seen 244 wildfires, over twice the number from the same period last year, largely due to drier conditions. There’s a growing push to enforce laws against illegal burning, which is one of the main causes of wildfires.
Experts warn that climate change is contributing to these extreme weather events. In a recent study, the IPCC noted that wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense worldwide. This highlights the importance of proactive measures and community awareness to prevent future disasters.
As South Korea faces this crisis, the need for effective policies and public education on wildfire safety has never been clearer. The country is committed to learning from this experience to better protect its people and natural heritage in the future.
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