Death Toll Hits 28 From S. Korea Worst-Ever Wildfires

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) TOKYO, March 27 (KUNA) -- The death toll from South Korea's worst-ever wildfires reached 28 with another 32 injured on Thursday, as firefighters using helicopters and soldiers were struggling to contain the blazes that have ravaged the southeastern province of North Gyeongsan, Yonhap News agency reported.
Since last Friday, a wave of wildfires has ravaged the region, and more than 38,000 hectares of woodland have been burned, according to government data. A total of 37,829 people were displaced as of 7 p.m. (1000 GMT)., including nearly 30,000 in North Gyeongsang Province.
Earlier in the day, acting President Han Duck-soo instructed acting Interior Minister Ko Ki-dong to reside in North Gyeongsang Province and oversee relief efforts for wildfire victims until the blazes are brought under control.
"It is worrying that many of the victims are senior citizens, including patients at nursing hospitals," Han said. "Please personally take care of the victims' health and safety on the ground and activate an efficient support system so that the wildfire-extinguishing personnel and volunteer workers do not burn out," Han said.
Authorities mobilized helicopters, fire trucks and firefighting personnel to battle the blaze that began in Uiseong County, about 180 km southeast of Seoul, on Saturday and has rapidly spread due to strong winds. (end)
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