Multiple wildfires in southern South Korea have ravaged the country and forced hundreds of people from their homes, killing at least four people while South Korea declared a state of disaster. Emergency services were called in quickly after the fires, which started on Friday, spread to other areas in Sancheong county in the south.
According to the Korea Forest Service Saturday night, the Sancheong wildfire, which left four dead and six wounded, has just been 25 percent contained. Over 847 hectares of land had already been burned at the time, leaving approximately 260 local residents forced to evacuate. Despite the heavy use of authorities, hundreds of officials, and dozens of vehicles, winds and dry conditions still prevent any hope of containment of the inferno.
Other fires were reported in the southeastern city of Ulsan and parts of the Gyeongsang province, apart from Sancheong. The rapidly spreading flames have left around 620 people who have taken shelter in these areas, according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Since then, the South Korean government has designated Sancheong as a special disaster zone and declared that the affected southern regions are in a state of disaster, to boost the deployment of emergency bodies and funds.
This follows President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial declaration of martial law in December, which was soon rescinded. In the midst of this, Finance Minister Choi Sangmok became acting president and continues to be in charge of emergency government response to the wildfires.
Firefighting efforts are continuing as authorities are asking those living near and in the surrounding areas to remain vigilant and be prepared for an evacuation if needed. As usual, additional support and relief measures are being promised to those affected by the disaster.
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