Devastating wildfires are currently sweeping through South Korea, having doubled in size within a single day. Authorities are now calling this disaster the most severe natural fire incident the nation has ever faced, with at least 27 lives lost and historic temples reduced to ashes.
So far, over 33,000 hectares have been scorched, predominantly in Uiseong county, marking it as the largest forest fire in South Korea’s history. The previous record stood at 24,000 hectares during a fire in March 2000.
Acting President Han Duck-soo commented on the critical situation, stating, “We are nationally in a critical situation with numerous casualties because of the unprecedented rapid spread of forest fires,” during a governmental response meeting.
In a bid to combat the raging inferno, the military has released reserves of aviation fuel, ensuring that firefighting helicopters remain operational across the mountainous regions of southeastern South Korea, where the flames have persisted for nearly a week. According to the safety ministry, more than 120 helicopters are currently deployed across three regions.
Tragically, the struggle against these wildfires has claimed the life of a helicopter pilot who died in a crash while bravely attempting to combat the flames.
The Uiseong wildfires have swiftly advanced eastward, nearly reaching the coastline, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. “The fire spread rapidly yesterday, reaching the coastal county of Yeongdeok—approximately 50km away—in just 12 hours,” noted Won Myung-soo, director of satellite imagery analysis for the national forestry service.
Though there was a brief rain shower in certain areas last evening, bringing approximately one millimeter of precipitation, officials remarked that it was insufficient to extinguish the main fire. However, it may assist in containing it. Similar amounts of rain are expected in some regions tomorrow.
Experts have highlighted that the Uiseong fire exhibits an extraordinarily unusual scale and speed of spread, attributing such phenomena to climate change, which is anticipated to increase the frequency and severity of wildfires worldwide. According to a report by Climate Central, an independent organization comprised of scientists and researchers, “Higher temperatures amplified by human-caused climate change have turned dry landscapes into dangerous fire fuel.”
The wildfires have inflicted a trail of destruction comparable to half the area of Singapore, consuming everything in their path, including historic temples and homes nestled within the mountainous regions of North Gyeongsang province.
Firefighting teams remain on high alert to defend the UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Hahoe Village and the Byeongsan Confucian Academy in Andong, from potential flames. This picturesque folk village features traditional Korean houses with thatched roofs, while the Confucian academy boasts a history spanning over 450 years.
Unfortunately, other historic locations have sustained serious damage; much of the Gounsa Temple in Uiseong, established in 681, has been decimated. “The buildings and remains of what Buddhist monks have preserved for 1,300 years are now all gone,” lamented Deungwoon, head of the Gounsa Temple.
As the situation unfolds, the resilience of the South Korean people shines through, as they rally together to face this unprecedented challenge.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
