South Korea announces Andong and other areas as special disa

On March 27th, the South Korean government designated Andong City, Cheongsong County, Yeongyong County, and Yeongdeok County, which were severely affected by wildfires, as special disaster areas. Some forest areas in southeastern South Korea have experienced wildfires since March 21st. Due to strong winds, dry weather, and other factors, the flames are fierce and the firefighting work is difficult to advance. ​

According to the South Korean Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters on the 27th, as of 16:00 local time on the same day, one new person was killed and two were injured in the wildfire in Yicheng County. The death toll in the large-scale wildfire in Gyeongsang do has risen to 27, and the number of injured has risen to 32. In addition, 36000 hectares of forests were burned down and over 37000 people were evacuated, making it the most severely affected forest fire in South Korean history. ​

On the 27th, the South Korean Forest Agency reported that some areas where wildfires occurred received rainfall on the same day, but the amount was less than 5 millimeters, which did not provide substantial assistance for firefighting work. As of 12:00 local time on the 27th, the fire extinguishing rate in Qingsong County, Gyeongsangbuk do has reached 77%. The fire extinguishing rate in Yicheng County, which is most severely affected by wildfires, remains at 55%. The fire extinguishing rate in Andong City is also maintained at 52%. The fire extinguishing rate in Yingde County is 34%, the fire extinguishing rate in Yingyang County is only 18%, and the fire extinguishing rates in Shanqing County and Hedong County, Gyeongsangnam do, are 75%. ​

In response to the severe fire situation, the Forest and Forestry Department dispatched 40 helicopters, more than 3000 firefighters, and 629 firefighting equipment to carry out firefighting work in Yicheng County, the most severely affected area. The wildfire in Andong City gradually spread to Wuling, Qianyanli and other places from around 9am on the 27th, and Andong City has issued evacuation orders to nearby residents. ​

The wildfire in Shanqing County, Gyeongsangnam do has now spread to the Zhiyi Mountain National Park. It is estimated that the affected area of Zhiyi Mountain is 30 to 40 hectares. In addition, at around 21:22 on the 26th, a residential fire broke out in Maoju County, Jeolla Province. As of 10:00 on the 27th, the local fire extinguishing rate was 45%, and there are currently six helicopters and others controlling the fire in the area. ​

On the 26th, South Korean Acting President and Prime Minister Han Deok soo stated that the wildfires in southeastern South Korea have caused "unprecedented destruction" beyond predictions. The government will mobilize all equipment and manpower to extinguish the spreading wildfires in various places, while taking strict measures against "illegal burning behavior". ​

Subsequently, various departments of the South Korean government will provide comprehensive support to special disaster areas such as Andong City and affected populations in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. The rescue and subsequent reconstruction work of this wildfire still faces many challenges.