In South Korea, heavy forest fires rage – helicopter pilot among fatalities

Heavy fire in South Korea has been raging since the weekend. We are currently talking about the worst forest fires in the country’s history. In the meantime, the number of fatalities has increased to at least 28 people. Another 32 people were injured by the flames, such as South Korea’s official news agency Yonhap reported.

The burned -down forest area is now a size of the same size: 36,000 hectares. The flames are still spreading further, according to the information from the news agency they are Scenery not under control. On Thursday, slight rainfalls are announced for the affected regions in the southeast of the country, but the rainfall should not be sufficient to relax the situation.

Mass evacuation in South Korea due to forest fires – helicopter crashed

So far, around 37,000 residents had to be evacuated from their houses and brought to emergency accommodation. Some of the affected areas also suffer from a lack of water and power failures. According to the media reports, the victims also contain the pilot of a helicopter, which crashed on Wednesday when it was contained by a fire and four firefighters.

The fires have already destroyed several historical sites. A temple that has over 1000 years old burned down completely. The historic Hahoe village, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO 2010, is also threatened by the flames. The residents became EvacuierunG called up.

Fire has been raging in South Korea since Friday, March 21, 2025

The fire broke out in the Sanchong district on Friday, about 250 kilometers southeast of the capital Seoul. According to the authorities, winds and a persistent drought have favored the fires.

What are the reasons for the forest fires in South Korea?

In South Korea, forest fires regularly occur during dry periods. In recent years, both the average temperatures and extreme weather have increased in the country, which has significantly increased the danger to fires and their size. Scientists see them Increase in forest fires in South Korea Also as an indicator of progressive climate change.

In addition to South Korea, Mongolia also affected by heavy drought

Not only South Korea is affected: drought also favored the spread of numerous fire in other East Asian countries. In Mongolia, a country particularly affected by climate change, disaster protection reported forest and steppe fires. The number of fires within the spring dryness A fire brigade spokesman said.

As a result, the flames have so far destroyed an area of almost 1.4 million hectares -Almost as big as Schleswig-Holstein (1.58 million hectares). In addition, around 7,500 sheep and cattle fell victim to the flames in the country, which was still strongly shaped by nomadism. (with dpa)