SHAH ALAM - South Korea faced one of its worst wildfire crises in years, with a series of blazes sweeping through the country's southeastern regions.
The fires, which began over the weekend, claimed at least four lives, injured several others and forced thousands to evacuate.
In response, the government declared a state of disaster and mobilised massive resources to contain the flames.
Massive Wildfires Engulfed Southeastern South Korea
More than two dozen wildfires erupted across southeastern South Korea, with the most devastating ones occurring in Sancheong County, Euiseong County and other areas in South Gyeongsang and North Gyeongsang provinces.
According to South Korea's Interior Ministry, the fires destroyed over 22,000 acres of land, damaged at least 162 buildings and disrupted transportation networks, including train services and major roads.
Authorities believed the fires were triggered by different incidents.
The fire in Sancheong was suspected to have started when a farmer's lawn mower caught fire, while another blaze in Euiseong originated from a cemetery where people were paying tribute to their ancestors.
In Gimhae, a city near Busan, a separate fire was triggered by a garbage incinerator.
Thousands Evacuated as Government Declared State of Disaster
The rapidly spreading wildfires prompted officials to issue evacuation orders for nearly 3,000 residents, many of whom were forced to seek shelter in temporary evacuation centres.
On Saturday, the government declared a state of disaster for the affected regions, allowing for immediate mobilisation of emergency resources.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok directed the Korea Forest Service to prioritise the safety of firefighters and emergency responders.
"I requested that the Korea Forest Service pay special attention to securing the safety of personnel in charge of extinguishing wildfires in the air or on the ground," Choi said during a disaster response meeting.
Firefighters Battled Against Harsh Conditions
Firefighters worked around the clock to combat the blazes, deploying more than 9,000 personnel and over 120 helicopters to affected areas.
However, the dry and windy conditions made containment efforts extremely challenging.
By Monday morning, authorities had managed to extinguish most of the fires, but at least five major fires remained active.
The largest blaze, in Euiseong County, had only been 65 per cent contained as of Monday, while the fire in Sancheong was about 70 per cent controlled.
The flames also caused significant cultural and historical losses.
Video footage from local news showed Unramsa Temple, a Buddhist temple over 1,000 years old, engulfed in flames in Euiseong.
Lives Lost in the Line of Duty
Among the four fatalities reported, three were firefighters and one was a public servant who had been deployed to help battle the fires.
It was reported that at least nine other individuals sustained injuries, with five in serious condition.
Interior Ministry officials investigated the exact causes of each fire and assessed the full extent of the damage.
South Korean Government Approved Emergency Financial Aid
In response to the devastation, the South Korean government approved emergency financial assistance for affected communities.
Choi announced that 2.6 billion won (USD $177.4 million) in disaster and safety grants would be distributed to three regions, including Sancheong.
The government allocated 50 million won in relief funds specifically for evacuees and victims in the worst-hit areas.
Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk convened a meeting with senior secretaries to discuss further measures to support recovery efforts.
Why Wildfires Are Common in South Korea
Wildfires are not uncommon in South Korea, particularly between February and May, when the country experiences its driest months.
The Korea Meteorological Administration warned that the combination of strong winds and low humidity creates conditions that allow fires to spread rapidly.
This latest wildfire disaster came at a time of political uncertainty in South Korea.
Choi led the government following President Yoon Suk-yeol’s controversial martial law declaration in December.
On Monday, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was reinstated as acting president by the Constitutional Court.
What is Next?
With most of the fires now under control, authorities are shifting their focus to recovery efforts and preventing future outbreaks.
The government is urging the public to take precautions, especially during the peak wildfire season.
Investigations into the causes of the fires will continue and officials have promised to implement stronger fire prevention measures in high-risk areas.
For now, South Korea remains on high alert, bracing for the possibility of more fires as the dry season continues.