Rain and cooler temperatures have aided South Korean fire crews in battling the country’s worst-ever wildfires, which have killed 28 people and destroyed thousands of structures in the southeast. The fires were 85% contained as of Friday morning, with efforts underway to extinguish the remaining blazes using helicopters and additional firefighters. Residents have been forced to evacuate to temporary shelters, with some shelters also in danger from the encroaching flames. Authorities have mobilized thousands of people, helicopters, and vehicles to combat the fires, which have been fueled by strong winds and dry conditions.
Officials and experts have linked the severity of the wildfires to climate change, with the warming atmosphere making extreme weather events, including wildfires, more likely. The governor of North Gyeongsang Province has called for a complete overhaul of the wildfire response strategy in the face of these extreme climate conditions. Recommendations include better evacuation guidelines, more powerful firefighting tools, and improved firefighting efforts during nighttime hours. The fires have highlighted the need for a more effective response to such disasters, especially as older residents have found it difficult to evacuate quickly.
Among the structures destroyed by the fires is the historic Gounsa temple complex, with two state-designated “treasures” lost in the blaze. The fires have also claimed the lives of a pilot and four firefighters, highlighting the dangers faced by those battling the infernos. The ongoing wildfires serve as a stark reminder of the impact of climate change and the need for improved disaster response strategies.
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