Death toll from South Korea’s wildfires rises to 18 as blazes continue

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.

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