South Korea battles worst ever wildfires as death toll hits 26
South Korea battles worst ever wildfires as death toll hits 26
Wildfires raging in South Korea doubled in size on Thursday from a day earlier, marking the country’s worst natural fire disaster in recent history. The death toll has risen to 26, with thousands evacuated and emergency services struggling to contain the fires.
Scale of the Disaster
More than 33,000 hectares (81,500 acres) have been charred or are still burning in the largest of the fires that began in Uiseong county. This surpasses the previous record of 24,000 hectares in a March 2000 fire. Historic temples have been incinerated, and the fires are rapidly spreading eastward, carried by gusty winds and dry conditions.
Government Response
Acting President Han Duck-soo described the situation as critical, with numerous casualties and unprecedented rapid spread of the fires. The military has released aviation fuel to keep firefighting helicopters operational, and over 120 helicopters have been deployed to battle the blazes across mountainous regions.
Climate Change and Expert Opinions
Experts attribute the scale and speed of the Uiseong fire to climate change, which is expected to make wildfires more frequent and deadly globally. Higher temperatures amplified by human-caused climate change have turned dry landscapes into dangerous fire fuel, according to the Climate Central group.
Conclusion
The wildfires in South Korea highlight the urgent need for global action on climate change. As emergency services continue their efforts, the nation faces a long road to recovery. Experts warn that without significant climate action, such disasters may become increasingly common.
Source: Reuters