They said it was fire relief supplies, but they sent a trash shipment full of ‘damaged goods’ with ‘COD’… The disaster victims paid 700,000 won in shipping fees alone.

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"Not even beggars"… Relief goods piling up as trash at the wildfire evacuation center

Last month, a wildfire in Cheongsong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do lasted for a week, burning down 770 homes and forcing some residents to live at the Cheongsong National Sports Center evacuation center.

As assistance continues to flow to help them, there are concerns about additional harm as some people are sending near-trash relief supplies to the evacuation center with "cash on delivery."

According to TBC on the 9th, they received items that are difficult to reuse, such as worn-out clothes with pilling, dust-covered blankets, and ladles covered in black grease.

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The disaster victims expressed, "We're not beggars. The intention to help is good, but," and "What good is collecting trash? It would be nice to receive at least one item we can wear."

Among the relief supplies gathered in Cheongsong-gun, about 11 tons were classified as trash, putting the county in a position where it must find funds to handle the disposal.

Additionally, boxes of old clothes were also sent cash on delivery to a non-profit organization in Cheongsong-gun.

A representative from the organization stated, "They sent us what they deemed to be trash. It's truly heartbreaking and frustrating. All were sent cash on delivery, and the fees exceeded 700,000 won."

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Conditions at the evacuation centers for residents affected by wildfires in other northern Gyeongsangbuk-do areas are similar.

In the case of the 2019 Goseong wildfire, 53 tons of used clothes were sent as relief supplies, which required military personnel to assist in sorting the clothing.

Out of the 53 tons, 30 tons were classified as trash, and since the relief goods were limited for use by disaster victims, it took 8 months just to obtain permission for disposal.

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Meanwhile, with the worst wildfire in history causing damage across the country, a series of donations from individuals, organizations, and companies continues to support the impacted.

As of the 1st of this month, donations collected by the Community Chest of Korea totaled 22.8 billion won.

In response, the government has decided to recognize the donations for wildfire relief as “special donations,” which provide greater tax benefits compared to general donations.

YouTube 'SBS News'

Image source: youtube 'sbs news', last month on the 27th, a wildfire spread in Deokcheon Village, Pachun-myeon, Cheongsong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, burning homes and vehicles. / News1, on the 26th of last month, Acting Minister of the Interior and Safety Ko Gi-dong visited the temporary evacuation center for wildfire victims set up at the Cheongsong Cultural Arts Center. / News1

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