Wildfires in Southeastern South Korea Rage for 5 Days, Strong Winds Hamper Relief Efforts | WPN World People News

A large-scale wildfire has recently broken out in the southeastern region of South Korea, and the fire has been raging for five days. Despite the swift deployment of firefighters and disaster relief personnel by the local government, the relief efforts have been severely hindered by strong winds that have helped the fire spread rapidly.

The wildfire in southeastern South Korea continues to burn, and according to local media reports, as of 10 a.m. on March 26, the disaster has resulted in 22 deaths, 19 injuries, and the evacuation of 27,000 residents. Among the fatalities, seven occurred in Yeongdeok County, six in Uiryeong County, three in Cheongsong County, and two in Andong County. Additionally, four firefighters in Sancheong County, Gyeongsangnam-do, lost their lives while battling the blaze. Furthermore, 209 buildings, including houses, warehouses, temples, vehicles, and cultural heritage sites, were destroyed in the cities of Uiseong and Sancheong. The burned area covers 17,398 hectares, affecting multiple regions.

According to the Korea Forest Service, the wildfire erupted earlier this week in the mountainous area near the border of Gyeongsangnam-do and Busan, and it quickly spread to several villages and farmlands. Hundreds of hectares of forest and crops have already been destroyed, dozens of houses have been damaged, and many villagers have been forced to evacuate urgently.

The local government stated that the region is currently experiencing strong winds, with wind speeds reaching up to 20 kilometers per hour and shifting directions, which has increased the difficulty of controlling the fire. Despite the use of numerous fire trucks and helicopters for both aerial and ground firefighting efforts, the fire continues to flare up, presenting a significant challenge for relief teams.

The Korea Meteorological Administration has noted that recent dry weather with little rainfall, combined with strong winds, has provided favorable conditions for the spread of the wildfire. Authorities have issued the highest level of forest fire warnings for the affected areas and are urging residents to remain alert and be prepared to evacuate at any moment.

A villager who was affected by the fire said, "Our family has been farming for generations, and watching our hard-earned farmland turn to ashes overnight is truly heartbreaking. All we can do now is hope that the fire is brought under control quickly so everyone can return home safely."

The relief efforts are still ongoing, and relevant authorities are urging local residents to stay informed through official updates on the fire situation and follow instructions to ensure their safety.