A tragic accident It happened in South Korea When a extinction helicopter Fire crashed while participating in the work to suffocate a forest fire in the city of Uiseongin the province of Gyeongbuk. The pilot lost his life in the incidentwhich occurs in a context of serious forest fires that hit the Asian country for six days.
South Korean authorities began an investigation to determine the exact causes of the accident. This event adds to a tragedy series related to fires, which were already charged at least 19 peopleincluding the pilot, and left close to 20 injuredsix of them in serious condition.
In addition, the authorities issued Evacuation orders for more than 27,000 people that are at risk by the flames.
The impact of forest fires in South Korea
According to him Korea Forest Serviceat this time there are 16 active fires throughout the country, driven by intense winds that hinder extinction work. One of the most serious fires is recorded in Uiseongin the province of Gyeongsang del Nortewhere the flames have consumed near 300 hectares of forest.
Despite the efforts to control the fire, the progress has been slow, achieving just a 4% controlaccording to the official news agency Yonhap.
The images of the area show an impressive natural phenomenon: fire tornadoesalso known as “Torbellinos del Diablo”. These phenomena, formed by extreme heat and intense winds, reach temperatures of up to 1,090 ° C. And they can overcome 1,000 meters high.
Fire tornadoes are characterized by A flame core and a column of rotating airwith winds higher than 200 km/hand can be kept active for more than 20 minutes.
Emergency and devastation state in southeastern South Korea
The South Korean government declared the state of “National catastrophe” due to the devastating fire wave that affects the southeast of the country. This measure was implemented in the provinces of Gyeongsang del Norte and South Gyeongsangwhere the flames continue to move forward.
In the city of Ulsanwhich houses More than one million peoplethe authorities have raised the alert level due to the direct threat of the fires.
So far, the death of four people In the region of Sancheong: Two civilians and two firefighters. In addition, they are reported Six injured In this same area. The government and emergency services continue to work to quell fires and protect the population from the growing threat.
Source: Ambito
