Korean Government Declares State Of Disaster For Gangwon Province Fire

The Korean government has declared a state of disaster in areas of Gangwon Province following a massive wildfire.

On April 4 at 7:17 p.m. KST, a fire broke out around Ilsung Resort in Goseong County and spread to downtown Sokcho.

A state of disaster was declared at 9 a.m. on April 5 for Goseong County, Inje County, and the cities of Sokcho, Gangneung, and Donghae in Gangwon Province.

250 hectares (approximately 618 acres) of forest, approximately 350 times the area of a soccer field, were destroyed. In addition, 125 homes, six warehouses, and five vinyl greenhouses burned down.

With distribution lines catching on fire, the power went out in 166 homes, and 79 base transceiver stations and 235 Internet circuits were damaged.

As of 11 a.m. KST on April 5, one man in his fifties has died, and 11 people have been injured. It was previously reported that two people died, but it was later revealed that there was one casualty resulting from the fire.

2,263 residents have evacuated to emergency shelters.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has sent all possible resources including 346 firetrucks and helicopters and about 15,000 people to resolve the situation.

For the residents of the damaged areas, the government will provide temporary living accommodations, disaster relief supplies, and emergency support measures. For casualties, the government will provide support for funerals and treatment as well as psychological support services.

Source (1) (2)