05 Apr 2019 | 06:46 AM UTC
South Korea: Fire containment efforts ongoing in Gangwon province April 5 /update 1
Government declares national emergency as thousands of emergency personnel deploy to contain the fire in Gangwon province on April 5
Event
The South Korean government declared a national emergency on Friday, April 5, as over 13,000 emergency personnel work to contain an ongoing fire in northeastern Gangwon province. As of Friday afternoon (local time), the blaze that started in Goseong county has spread to parts of Sokcho, Gangneung, and Donghae, burning at least 525 hectares (1297 acres) of land. Over 200 houses and buildings have been destroyed and one fatality has been confirmed; another 35 people have been injured. Some residents have been allowed to return to their homes, but at least 2260 people have been evacuated from the affected area. Containment efforts are ongoing but further spread of the fire is possible in the coming hours.
Context
The fire started on the night of Thursday, April 4, in Goseong county and quickly spread towards Sokcho due to strong winds. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the blaze.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the fire, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. road closures, evacuation notices, etc.).
