Seoul: The death toll from the devastating wildfires in North Gyeongsang Province has tragically climbed to 28, as firefighters continue their arduous battle against what is being described as the worst-ever wildfire to hit the region. Earlier, acting President Han Duck-soo instructed acting Interior Minister Ko Ki-dong to remain in the province to supervise relief operations until the fires are controlled.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Han expressed his concern for the victims, many of whom are elderly, including patients in nursing hospitals. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing their health and safety and urged for an efficient support system to prevent burnout among firefighting personnel and volunteers. In a gesture of solidarity, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Ambassador Koichi Mizushima extended their condolences, hoping for a swift recovery for those affected.
Intense firefighting efforts are ongoing in North Gyeongsang Province. Authorities have deployed helicopters, fire trucks, and personnel to combat the blaze that ignited in Uiseong County and spread rapidly due to strong winds. Weather forecasts predict some relief with 5 mm of rain expected in the area.
While the blaze in Uiseong continues to spread northeast at speeds up to 8 kilometers per hour, reaching coastal areas in the East Sea, significant progress has been made in Ulju where a major fire was fully extinguished. Consequently, the evacuation order for Ulju residents has been lifted.
In Andong, water disruptions have persisted for a second day, prompting local authorities to distribute bottled water and emergency supplies. Approximately 2,500 households faced power outages, with efforts ongoing to restore electricity to the remaining affected homes. Yeongdeok County experienced similar challenges, with a water purification plant burned down and a power substation out of operation, although communication services have been restored.
The government has designated the most affected southeastern regions as disaster zones to concentrate resources and expedite recovery. Initially, Sancheong, Ulju, Uiseong, and Hadong were marked as special disaster zones, with Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok recently added to this list to prioritize aid and recovery operations.