ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE
Article Published on: 27TH MAR 2025 | www.demodemagazine.com
Wildfires raging across South Korea’s southeastern regions since last Friday have killed 26 people, injured 30, and forced over 37,000 to flee. Authorities are struggling to contain the flames due to strong winds, despite deploying 9,000 personnel and 120 helicopters. A pilot died in a helicopter crash, while four firefighters and workers were trapped by fast-moving flames. Many civilian victims were elderly. Officials suspect human error in several cases, including fires started while clearing grass or welding.
The blazes have destroyed 325 buildings and burned 36,010 hectares. In Cheongsong, helicopters dropped water over Juwang Mountain, where smoke billowed. Near the historic Hahoe folk village, evacuations were ordered. The Gounsa temple complex suffered extensive damage, with state-designated treasures lost.
With worsening conditions, authorities raised the wildfire warning to the highest level, increasing emergency response efforts and restricting forest access. Rainfall remains minimal, offering little relief.