The UAE expressed its sincere condolences and solidarity with South Korea over the victims of the wildfires in southeastern Korea.
Those wildfires have resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of people and the evacuation of tens of thousands.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its deepest condolences and sympathy to the government and people of Korea.
As well as to the families of the victims of this tragic incident, wishing a speedy recovery for all those injured.
The Worst Natural Wildfire Disaster
The scale of the wildfires raging in South Korea doubled yesterday compared to the previous day.
South Korea authorities described the fires as the worst natural wildfire disaster the country has ever witnessed.
The fires have claimed the lives of at least 26 people and destroyed historical temples.
The flames have spread across more than 81,500 acres of land in the largest wildfire recorded in the country’s history.
Originating in Oeseong County in central South Korea.
The previous record was 59,000 acres in a fire that broke out in March 2000.
Acting President Han Duck-soo stated during a government meeting on disaster response:
“The country is experiencing a critical situation.
Due to the unprecedented and rapid spread of wildfires, which has resulted in many casualties.”
A Week of Wildfires in South Korea
The South Korean military has provided its firefighting helicopters with fuel from its reserves to ensure continued firefighting operations in the mountainous southeastern regions, where fires have been burning for nearly a week.
The Ministry of Public Safety announced the deployment of more than 120 helicopters across three regions to combat the fires.
Due to its mountainous terrain, South Korea primarily relies on helicopters for wildfire suppression.
The fires broke out in Oeseong County.
They spread rapidly eastward toward coastal areas, driven by strong winds and exacerbated by dry weather conditions.
Won Myung-soo, Director of Satellite Image Analysis at the National Forest Service, reported that the Oeseong fire spread at an extraordinary pace, reaching Yeongdeok County, 51 kilometers away, within just 12 hours.
Oeseong Wildfires are Spreading at an Unprecedented Scale and Speed
The Meteorological Agency predicted some rainfall in the southwest.
But forecasts indicate that most affected areas will receive less than 5 millimeters of rain.
“Rainfall will be minimal, so it is unlikely to significantly contribute to extinguishing the fire,” said Forest Service Minister Lim Sang-seop in a press briefing. Experts warned that the Oeseong wildfires are spreading at an unprecedented scale and speed.
They also anticipate that climate change will lead to an increase in the frequency and severity of wildfires worldwide.
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Historical Sites Are Damaged by South Korea Wildfires
South Korea wildfires have caused widespread destruction in an area nearly half the size of Singapore.
Consuming everything in their path, including historical temples and homes in the forested mountainous regions of North Gyeongsang Province.
Firefighting teams are preparing to protect the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hahoe Village and Byeongsan Confucian Academy in Andong City, should the fire cross the surrounding waterways.
The fires have already inflicted significant damage on other historical sites, including large parts of Jonsa Temple in Oeseong, which was built in the year 681 AD.
