Death toll rises to 18 as deadly wildfires rage in S. Korea's southeastern region

Source: Xinhua| 2025-03-26 10:24:00|Editor: huaxia

This photo taken on March 25, 2025 shows the wildfire spreading to local villages in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. Local media reported on Wednesday that the wildfire started in Uiseong County, North Gyeongsang Province has spread to many places, causing 18 deaths and severe damage. (NEWSIS via Xinhua)

SEOUL, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The death toll rose to 18, with 19 others injured, as deadly wildfires continued to rage in South Korea's southeastern region, government compilation showed Wednesday.

Since last Friday, medium and large wildfires have broken out in six regions, especially in Gyeongsang province, affecting at least 17,534 hectares of land, according to the central disaster and safety countermeasures headquarters.

Firefighters struggled to contain the rapidly spreading blazes, fueled by strong and dry winds.

Of the wounded, six people suffered serious injuries.

The number of affected buildings and structures, such as houses, factories and cultural assets, climbed to 209, while more than 26,000 people remained evacuated.

The country's forest service raised the wildfire crisis alert to the highest level while thousands of firefighters as well as helicopters and vehicles were mobilized to combat the wildfires.

The military also deployed service members and helicopters to help fight the blazes. ■

A helicopter puts out a fire near Hadong county, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, on March 26, 2025. Local media reported on Wednesday that the wildfire started in Uiseong County, North Gyeongsang Province has spread to many places, causing 18 deaths and severe damage. (NEWSIS via Xinhua)