South Korea declares state of national disaster due to wildfires, MFA advises S'porean travellers to stay alert

The South Korean government has declared a state of national disaster over "massive" ongoing wildfires in the southeastern regions of Gyeongsang.

Affected areas include Andong, Bonghwa, Sancheong, Uiseong, and Ulsan.

However, there is a risk of wildfires spreading to other areas, due to dry weather and strong winds.

In a Mar. 25 advisory posted on Facebook, the Singapore Embassy in Seoul urged Singaporeans in South Korea to stay updated on the situation through local news, and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Singaporeans are also encouraged to take note of the National Disaster and Safety Portal, and download the Emergency Ready App, which provide real-time disaster alerts in English as well as safety guidelines and facility information (e.g. fire stations, emergency medical centres).

18 dead

The deadly wildfires have killed at least 18 people so far, according to The Korea Herald.

Another 19 were injured.

Most victims were in their 60s or older.

The fires began in Sancheong in North Gyeongsang on Mar. 21, and quickly spread to nearby regions, fuelled by strong and dry winds.

The casualties included four victims who were found burnt to death on a road on Mar. 25.

Wildfire responders and civil servants were also among the victims of the fire, another report said.

Temple razed

To contain the fire, the government dispatched 87 helicopters and more than 4,900 personnel — including firefighters and military troops — on Mar. 26.

Over 20,000 residents have been evacuated from their homes, as well as around 500 inmates from a prison in North Gyeongsang.

Despite continued efforts, the Gounsa Temple in Uiseong — a historic site that has stood for over 1,000 years — was completely razed to the ground on Mar. 25.

The fire has also spread dangerously close to Hahoe Folk Village, a Unesco World Heritage site and popular tourist destination, reported Korea JoongAng Daily.

'Worst wildfire in Korea's history'

In a national address on Mar. 26, South Korea's acting president and prime minister Han Duck Soo called the blaze "the worst wildfire in [its] history".

He added that despite using "all available personnel and equipment", the situation is "not looking good".

17,000 hectares of forest, and 209 homes and factories have been destroyed in the fire so far.

Han urged members of the public to avoid burning vegetation around rice paddies or fields, and to refrain from discarding cigarette butts "carelessly".

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