South Korea is grappling with severe wildfires that have ravaged its southeastern regions, prompting authorities to deploy substantial resources in a bid to contain the blazes. As of Monday, the Korea Forest Service reported that approximately 7,000 hectares (17,000 acres) of land in Uiseong County have been affected, leading to the evacuation of around 600 residents.
To combat the fires, a coordinated response involving 57 firefighting helicopters and over 2,600 personnel, including soldiers, has been initiated. Lim Sang-seop, head of the Korea Forest Service, emphasized the commitment to deploy all available resources to expedite firefighting efforts.
The situation has been exacerbated by dry conditions and strong winds, which have facilitated the rapid spread of the fires. In Uiseong, the fire had been partially contained but continued to burn as of Monday afternoon. An AFP photographer in the area observed thick black smoke obscuring the sun, with helicopters actively engaged in dousing the flames.
The South Korean government has declared several affected regions as disaster zones, enabling the allocation of additional resources and support to the impacted communities. Acting President Han Duck-soo has pledged to mobilize all necessary assets, including military personnel and equipment, to suppress the fires and ensure the safety of residents.
The ongoing wildfires have also raised concerns about the preservation of cultural heritage sites, such as the UNESCO World Heritage site Hahoe Village in Andong, which is threatened by the approaching flames. Local authorities have issued evacuation orders and are implementing protective measures to safeguard these historical landmarks.
As firefighting efforts continue, authorities are urging residents to adhere to evacuation orders and remain vigilant. The deployment of additional resources underscores the government's commitment to addressing this environmental crisis and mitigating its impact on affected communities.