At least six people have died as wildfires continue to ravage parts of South Korea, prompting government officials to declare a state of national emergency in the southeastern regions of the country. The dangerous situation began on Friday, March 21, in Sancheong County, located approximately 250 kilometers southeast of Seoul.
According to reports from the Interior Ministry, at least three firefighters and a public servant have been confirmed dead, with two firefighters initially reported missing. More than 200 residents in 15 southern villages have evacuated due to the encroaching flames. In total, the fires have displaced hundreds of people, with more than 400 residents in Uiseong County impacted. A state of national disaster was officially declared at 18:00 local time on March 22 (09:00 GMT), covering the cities of Ulsan and the provinces of North and South Gyeongsang.
President Choi Sang-mok has urged all available resources to be mobilized to combat the wildfires, fostering a coordinated response from approximately 304 personnel and 20 helicopters deployed to assist in firefighting efforts. Despite this, officials report that strong winds have hindered progress in containing the blazes.
Overall, at least 16 distinct wildfire instances were reported across South Korea on March 22, indicating the widespread nature of this crisis. The Korea Forest Service has issued severe fire warnings, its highest level, in 12 locations, including Busan and the central city of Daejeon. Meanwhile, major highways have been closed for safety as firefighting efforts continue.
Sancheong, in South Gyeongsang province, has been particularly affected, prompting the evacuation of more than 200 residents. The wildfires have led to extensive damage, forcing the government to mobilize additional resources to restore safety and control the crisis.
An integrated approach is crucial to combat such a multifaceted challenge that can be exacerbated by climate change effects, including extreme weather events tied to temperature rises and prolonged droughts.
In the face of these overwhelming challenges, ongoing cooperation between government officials, emergency services, and local communities will be vital to contain the fires and aid those displaced by this natural disaster. The current situation serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for robust measures in disaster management and environmental stewardship.
