Seoul: The government has designated the southeastern counties of Ulju, Uiseong, and Hadong as special disaster zones as wildfires continue to ravage the region for a fourth consecutive day. This decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to manage and mitigate the impact of these fires.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the declaration follows a similar designation for Sancheong County, which was announced on Saturday. This status allows the affected areas to access comprehensive government support to aid in recovery and response efforts. The move comes amidst expectations of significant damage, exacerbated by strong winds in the region.
In Sancheong County, firefighting efforts have led to the extinguishment of 85 percent of the blaze by 6 p.m. Authorities deployed a substantial force, including 36 helicopters, 2,424 personnel, and 252 vehicles. Despite these efforts, the fire has devastated approximately 1,553 hectares, resulting in four fatalities, eight injuries, and the evacuation of 1,143 residents.
Uiseong County is grappling with challenges due to strong winds reaching up to 15 meters per second, which have hindered firefighting efforts. By 6 p.m., about 60 percent of the fire had been contained, a slight decrease from 71 percent earlier in the day. The blaze has impacted 8,490 hectares and necessitated the evacuation of 909 individuals.
In Ulju County, authorities have managed to extinguish 83 percent of the fire as of 6 p.m., though strong winds up to 8 meters per second continue to pose significant challenges, particularly in controlling the main blaze.
Acting President Han Duck-soo emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring safety for those combating the fires and addressing the needs of those displaced. He pledged comprehensive support for recovery efforts once the wildfires are fully contained.