Seoul: The death toll from a wave of wildfires that has devastated the southeastern Korean region has increased to 18, with one person reported missing. The fires have been wreaking havoc since they began in Sancheong County in South Gyeongsang Province last Friday.
According to Emirates News Agency, the wildfires have spread from Sancheong County to nearby Uiseong and are advancing towards neighboring areas including Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok. The fires have been fueled by strong and dry winds, making containment efforts challenging.
Acting President Han Duck-soo has urged for comprehensive efforts to prevent further spread of the wildfires, which he described as “the worst ever wildfires.” The fires have already destroyed 17,000 hectares of forest land, along with 209 houses and factories.
Thousands of firefighters, along with dozens of helicopters and vehicles, have been deployed in efforts to control the blazes. The military has also contributed significantly by deploying approximately 5,000 service members and 146 helicopters since the fires broke out last Friday.
