Latest news Four dead and six injured in forest fires in South Korea
At least four people have died in ongoing forest fires in South Korea. Six others were injured, five of them seriously. Around 1,500 residents also had to leave their houses and apartments, South Korea's official news agency Yonhap reported. The dead and injured were firefighters and government officials who were surrounded by flames while on duty.
23.03.2025, 07:55
SDA
The fires started on Friday in Sancheong County, about 250 kilometers southeast of the capital Seoul. According to the authorities, dry winds and a prolonged drought have encouraged the forest fires. As of midday local time on Sunday, almost 3,300 hectares have been destroyed by the flames. This corresponds to an area of around 4,600 football pitches.
The government has declared the affected regions a disaster area and promised to mobilize all resources to extinguish the fires.
Forest fires are a regular occurrence in South Korea during prolonged periods of drought. In recent years, however, both average temperatures and extreme weather have increased in the country, which has significantly increased the risk and extent of fires. Scientists also see the increase in forest fires in South Korea as an indicator of advancing climate change.
