It might be the worst ever wildfire South Korea has ever witnessed with around 24 being killed in the fire. Multiple wildfires have ravaged the south-east region of the country and numerous people are homeless right now after the devastation of it.
Most of the victims of the wildfire were in their 60s and 70s which made it even difficult for them to evacuate quickly. Around 26 people are injured and around a dozen of them are critically injured. The deadly wildfire made around 23000 people leave their homes and run for their lives as the fire was too close.
According to acting president Han Duck-soo, this “unprecedented” crisis is “rewriting the record books for the worst wildfires in our nation’s history”. The wildfire has also greatly damaged the 1,300-year-old Gounsa temple which is situated in Uiseong city. The ancient and cultural relics are then moved to safer grounds to restore cultural heritage.
The fire started in Sancheong county on Friday and then, it further spread to Uiseong county. It was fueled by dry and strong winds and quickly spread over a massive area. It quickly spread over the neighboring counties in the region such as Cheongsong, Yeongyang, Andong, and Yeongdeok according to the local news reports.
According to a forest disaster expert at the National Institute of Forest Science, Lee Byung-doo, the wildfire was progressing at a massive scale and size and it was almost “unimaginable” considering its huge growth in such a short span. A small group of firefighters were sent to the region for investigation but their helicopter crashed due to the intensity of the situation.
Thousands of firefighters and more than 5,000 military personnel are already deployed in different counties to handle multiple blazes occurring simultaneously. Helicopters from the US military are currently stationed in the country for assistance. The national fire agency declared on Tuesday that this crisis has risen up to the highest fire response level. It is not just the first incident of the year but in history to be at this range and intensity in South Korea.
The damage and destruction of the wildfire spread over 17,000 hectares or 42,000 acres. It is considered to be the third largest ever fire to take place in South Korea. It has destroyed millions of dollars of property along with the ancient Gounsa temple which was built in 618 AD. It was not only the largest temple in the province but also a Buddhist architectural structure which is considered to be a treasure from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
Cho Jae-oak, a Uiseong apple farmer said, “When the fire was burning on the mountain, fireballs flew here,” while the 68-years-old monk from the temple said, “It was an extremely painful feeling, and I wondered why something like this could happen.”
South Korea is facing more wildfires than usual time as more than 244 incidents of wildfire have already taken place. The country is drier than ever and this shows the concerns of global warming.
