Forest fires in South Korea have already claimed at least 18 victims. According to local representatives, more than 200 buildings were destroyed and more than 20,000 people were evacuated. Reigning South Korean President Choi Sang-Might on Wednesday He called on the public to cooperate in connection with the “worst” forest fires in history, which have been raising the southeast region for several days. According to Jonhap, TASR reports this.
The fire broke out on Friday afternoon in Sančchong district, approximately 250 kilometers from Seoul, where it spread to other areas. “The worst forest fires in history are facing mobilization of all available staff and equipment, but the situation is beyond common habits,” he said Čoi.
The reigning president added that to combat fires 128 helicopters have been mobilized and more than 10,000 people, including firefighters, soldiers and civil servants. Strong wind, however, worsens a fire that destroyed 17,000 hectares of forest and 209 houses and factories. Fires were also destroyed by a 1300 -year -old Buddhist temple, writes AP. According to AFP, six people have so far suffered serious injuries and 13 others have been slightly injured. One person is missing.
“Since we are afraid of the level of damage we haven’t experienced before, we have to concentrate all our resources to extinguish fires by the end of this week,” said choi. He urged people not to fire the banks around the rice areas or fields so that they would not burn waste and throw away the negligent cigarette cords.
At the entrance to the mountains by people They should not have lighters or flammables that could cause forest fires. According to the acting president, the government will examine and improve its guidelines for reaction to forest fires and their prevention, writes Jonhap.
