The toll in the forest fires that started in South Gyeongsang province of South Korea on Friday and quickly spread to North Gyeongsang province has grown heavy. According to information obtained from local authorities, the number of people who lost their lives in the fires has risen to 16, and the number of people injured has risen to 19. The flames also reportedly destroyed the ancient Gounsa Temple in the Uiseong region of North Gyeongsang province, while a total of at least 15,000 hectares of land were reduced to ashes. It was reported that 5,500 people were evacuated to safe areas due to the risk of fire. The South Korean Ministry of Justice also announced that approximately 500 inmates in a prison in North Gyeongsang province were transferred to a safe facility due to the risk of fire. It was noted that the firefighting continues with the support of 5,000 military personnel and 146 helicopters.
South Korea surrenders to forest fires
The forest fires that started in South Gyeongsang province of South Korea on Friday have spread to North Gyeongsang province. The flames quickly spread over a wide area due to the dry weather and winds. South Korean Interim Minister of Internal Affairs and Security Ko Ki-dong stated yesterday that the firefighting continues, but that the damage is increasing.
