Deadly wildfires in South Korea’s southeastern region have claimed at least 18 lives and forced over 27,000 residents to flee. Thousands of firefighters, supported by military personnel, are battling the blazes, which have destroyed neighborhoods and threatened UNESCO World Heritage sites.
At least 18 people have been confirmed dead as wildfires continue to devastate South Korea’s southeastern region, marking one of the country’s worst forest fires in decades. Thousands of firefighters, supported by the military, are working tirelessly to control the blazes that have forced more than 27,000 residents to evacuate their homes. The fires, driven by dry conditions and strong winds, have destroyed entire neighborhoods, shut down schools, and even prompted the relocation of hundreds of prisoners.
Acting President Han Duck-soo reported that authorities are deploying all available resources in response to the fires, calling the situation dire. The U.S. military in Korea has also joined the effort to combat the flames. As of Wednesday morning, 14 fatalities were linked to a wildfire in Uiseong county, while four others died in a separate blaze in Sancheong county. Many of the victims were elderly, with many in their 60s and 70s.
The fire in Uiseong, which is only 68% contained, has spread with alarming speed and scale, exacerbated by powerful winds. Experts warned that dry conditions in the region would persist, increasing the difficulty of containment. Lee Byung-doo, a forest disaster expert, stated that global climate change is likely to make such fires more frequent, emphasizing the need for increased resources and trained personnel to handle large-scale wildfires.
South Korea’s mountainous terrain has made firefighting particularly challenging, and while the country typically relies on helicopters for firefighting efforts, the lack of available aircraft has drawn criticism. Eight Russian helicopters, part of the country’s fire-fighting fleet, have been grounded since last year due to sanctions imposed over the Ukraine war. In response, the Korea Forest Service has pledged to secure more firefighting helicopters and resources.
The fires in Uiseong have already caused significant damage, destroying ancient temples and homes. The flames are now threatening UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Hahoe Village and the Byeongsan Confucian Academy in Andong city. Authorities are working to protect these cultural landmarks by spraying fire retardants. Over 15,000 hectares of land have been burned so far, and the affected areas have been designated as special disaster zones by the government.
Over 1,200 residents in Daegu, South Korea, were evacuated Monday as strong winds fueled a wildfire that spread across 50 hectares, forcing a highway closure. No casualties have been reported as firefighting efforts continue.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of South Korea's Democratic Party, has been nominated as the party's candidate for the June 3 presidential election. Leading opinion polls with a significant margin, Lee previously lost the 2022 election and faces ongoing legal controversies.
South Korean Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok departed for Washington on Tuesday to lead high-level trade negotiations with U.S. officials.
Lee Jae-myung, South Korea's leading presidential candidate, has vowed to eliminate the "Korea Discount" by reforming shareholder laws and boosting market value, aiming to double the stock index and win support from retail investors.
South Korea’s customs agency has uncovered a surge in efforts to falsely label foreign goods—mostly from China—as South Korean exports in an attempt to bypass steep U.S. tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump, officials said Monday.
Canada’s economy contracted 0.2 % in February, its first monthly decline since November, as slumps in mining, oil and gas extraction, and construction dragged overall output lower, Statistics Canada said.
U.S. President Donald Trump is closing in on a minerals deal with Ukraine, part of his plan to end the war.
Romanians vote Sunday in a rerun presidential election with far-right eurosceptic George Simion leading the polls, a potential upset that could unsettle markets and raise alarms in the EU and NATO.
Iran plans to meet with representatives from Britain, France, and Germany in Rome on Friday, ahead of a new round of nuclear talks with the United States scheduled for Saturday, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has announced the upcoming release of a documentary film about Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
In an expansive interview marking his first 100 days back in office, President Donald Trump sketched out an agenda that touches everything from punitive tariffs and China policy to cease-fire hopes in Ukraine and an overhaul of domestic programmes. Below are the highlights.
A deadly explosion at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port has left at least 40 dead, with more than 1,200 people injured, state media reported on Sunday, halting operations at one of the country’s most vital trade hubs.
For three generations, the Liebigs built railcars in Görlitz. Now, the factory that shaped their lives will produce parts for battle tanks.
North Korea has launched a new 5,000-tonne destroyer as part of Kim Jong Un’s plans to expand the country’s naval power far beyond its coastal waters.
Canada’s economy contracted 0.2 % in February, its first monthly decline since November, as slumps in mining, oil and gas extraction, and construction dragged overall output lower, Statistics Canada said.
U.S. President Donald Trump is closing in on a minerals deal with Ukraine, part of his plan to end the war.
Romanians vote Sunday in a rerun presidential election with far-right eurosceptic George Simion leading the polls, a potential upset that could unsettle markets and raise alarms in the EU and NATO.
Iran plans to meet with representatives from Britain, France, and Germany in Rome on Friday, ahead of a new round of nuclear talks with the United States scheduled for Saturday, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
Romania will return to the polls on May 4 for a rerun of its presidential election, following the unprecedented annulment of the previous vote in December 2024 over alleged Russian interference. A potential second-round runoff is scheduled for May 18.
Canada’s economy contracted 0.2 % in February, its first monthly decline since November, as slumps in mining, oil and gas extraction, and construction dragged overall output lower, Statistics Canada said.
U.S. President Donald Trump is closing in on a minerals deal with Ukraine, part of his plan to end the war.
Romanians vote Sunday in a rerun presidential election with far-right eurosceptic George Simion leading the polls, a potential upset that could unsettle markets and raise alarms in the EU and NATO.
Iran plans to meet with representatives from Britain, France, and Germany in Rome on Friday, ahead of a new round of nuclear talks with the United States scheduled for Saturday, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has announced the upcoming release of a documentary film about Russian President Vladimir Putin.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment