South Korea declares national disaster due to forest fires

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said the measure will take effect in Ulsan city, North Gyeongsang province and South Gyeongsang province from 6 p.m. local time (4 p.m. Vietnam time).

Earlier, Acting President Choi Sang Mok recommended declaring a state of disaster as a basis for comprehensive disaster response and rescue efforts. He also asked government officials to consider designating the affected area as a special disaster zone.

The decision came amid a spate of forest fires in Ulsan and other southeastern regions since the afternoon of March 21. The area affected by the fires is estimated at 290 hectares. Hundreds of villagers in Sancheong County were evacuated as strong winds hampered firefighting efforts.

As of 3 p.m. on March 22, firefighters had contained 65 percent of the fires. The Korea Forest Service raised the forest fire alert to its highest level at 3:30 p.m., with 16 fires nationwide amid strong winds.

Local authorities said they had discovered the bodies of two firefighters, but their identities and cause of death have not yet been determined.

Acting President Choi Sang Mok visited the scene and instructed relevant agencies to make every effort to mobilize the maximum number of personnel and equipment to extinguish the fire before dark. He also urged to ensure the safety of residents as well as firefighters, and to continuously have plans in place in case the fire continues overnight.