Race to save lives and ancient artifacts in South Korea as wildfires rage

 

South Korea has experienced its largest wildfire in history, with at least 27 people killed and 32 injured. The fires, which began in Sancheong county, are believed to have been accidentally started by local human activities. They have spread to neighboring counties, including Uiseong, where the largest of all blazes is located. The fires have burned over 35,810 hectares, about half the size of New York City. Artefacts such as wooden printing blocks and paintings have been moved from major temples.

The authorities are closely monitoring potential damage to two Unesco-listed sites: Hahoe Village and Byeongsan Seowon in Andong City. The Gounsa temple, built in 618 AD, is one of the largest temples in the province. A Buddhist architectural structure deemed a national treasure from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) was also destroyed. Tens of thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate due to the fires.

A resident in Andong reported that his house was completely burnt down within just a few hours, leaving nothing left. Another resident in Cheongsong County said her beekeeping site was completely destroyed by the fire. Temperatures several degrees above the seasonal norm combined with dry ground, strong winds, and low humidity to fuel fires that authorities say were ignited by human activity.

The weather rarely causes wildfires on its own, but it can give conditions that help wildfires take hold and spread. In South Korea, temperatures several degrees above the seasonal norm have combined with dry ground, strong winds, and low humidity to fuel fires that authorities say were ignited by human activity. Lee Han-gyeong, the government official in charge of emergency response, said "we are witnessing the reality of climate crisis like never before."

Source : https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y214x9lw1o

Comprehension

Where did the wildfires begin?
How many people have been reported dead and injured?
How large is the area burned by the fires?
What are two UNESCO-listed sites that are at risk of damage?
What significant cultural or historical structures have already been affected?
What natural conditions contributed to the spread of the wildfires?
What did a resident in Andong report about the damage to his home?
What happened to a beekeeping site in Cheongsong County?
How did authorities respond to the fires?
What did Lee Han-gyeong say about the wildfires?

Discussion

What steps can governments take to prevent wildfires caused by human activities?
Should stricter regulations be placed on activities that could start fires? Why or why not?
What challenges do emergency responders face in controlling large-scale wildfires?
How can communities prepare for and respond to wildfire threats?
What role does climate change play in increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires?
How should historical and cultural sites be protected from natural disasters?
What lessons can other countries learn from South Korea’s wildfire crisis?
How do wildfires affect the environment, including wildlife and air quality?
Should South Korea invest more in wildfire prevention technology? Why or why not?
What are some of the long-term effects that wildfires can have on a country’s economy and infrastructure?

Vocabulary

Wildfire – A large, uncontrolled fire that spreads quickly in natural areas.
Evacuate – To leave a place of danger for safety.
Artefact – A historical object made by humans, often of cultural importance.
Humidity – The amount of moisture in the air.
Ignite – To catch fire or cause something to burn.
Crisis – A serious situation that requires immediate action.
Architectural – Related to the design and construction of buildings.
Province – A large area within a country, often with its own government.
Climate crisis – A situation in which climate change causes severe environmental problems.
Disaster response – The actions taken to deal with a major emergency.