Increase in Death Toll Due to Wildfires in Gyeongbuk and Gyeongnam, Spread of Damage

A large wildfire in the Gyeongbuk and Gyeongnam regions has resulted in an increase in the number of deaths.

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, one person who was severely injured in the 11 medium and large wildfires that occurred nationwide from the 21st to the 30th of last month has died, bringing the total death toll to 31.

In addition, there are 8 people with serious injuries and 36 with minor injuries, making the total number of casualties reach 75.

As a result of the wildfire's aftermath, many residents are living in evacuation shelters. As of now, 1,951 households, totaling 3,278 people, are staying in shelters. By region, 3,238 people are evacuated in Andong and Uiseong in Gyeongbuk, 27 in Sancheong and Hadong in Gyeongnam, 12 in Jeonju and Jeongeup, and 1 in Ulju-gun, Ulsan.

For this, there are 112 shelters in Gyeongbuk, 2 in Gyeongnam, 1 in Jeonbuk, and 1 in Ulsan, totaling 116 shelters in operation.

The government and relief organizations are providing approximately 948,000 items, including emergency relief sets, daily necessities, and food and beverages, and psychological counseling and psychological first aid have been provided in 4,857 and 1,434 cases, respectively.

However, as of this morning, a total of 7,006 damaged facilities, including burned houses, factories, temples, and cultural heritage sites, have been reported. Notably, 12 designated national heritage sites and 19 designated local heritage sites have suffered damage.

In Gyeongbuk, a total of 8,883 homes and buildings are experiencing power outages, with 213 of them still not restored.

Regarding water supply issues, recovery has been completed in five cities and counties with damaged facilities in the water supply system. In terms of the sewage system, recovery has been completed in two of the three facilities in two counties, with the remaining facility set to be addressed in April.

Public support continues as well. The donations collected through disaster relief associations amounted to approximately 76.9 billion won as of the previous afternoon. This is expected to greatly assist residents affected by the wildfires.

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