South Korea Acting President on Worst-Ever Wildfire: "Swift Action Taken... Coordination with Party, Government, and National Assembly"

"Comprehensive Overhaul Across All Sectors"

Yonhap News

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Acting President, stated on the 28th regarding the worst wildfire in history, "We will discuss how to swiftly implement all measures and how to boldly provide financial support."

At the special wildfire countermeasure field meeting held at the Integrated Command Center for the wildfire site in Andong, Gyeongbuk, Acting Prime Minister Han said, "This wildfire damage is evaluated as the largest ever, surpassing the East Coast wildfire that occurred in 2000," and added, "We will discuss support measures between the ruling party and the government, and also consult with the National Assembly."

He continued, "Regarding various wildfire prevention issues that arose from this fire, and when disasters of unimaginable scale occur, comprehensive wildfire countermeasures must be prepared across all sectors, including the Korea Forest Service, to respond to new climate change," emphasizing, "A comprehensive overhaul in all areas is necessary."

Acting Prime Minister Han stated, "In particular, since most of the deceased and seriously injured were elderly and those with limited mobility, we will review whether it is possible to proactively prepare excessively in advance for vulnerable groups."

Regarding the evacuees residing in temporary shelters, Acting Prime Minister Han said, "Many evacuees are living in temporary shelters, which is causing increased inconvenience," and added, "We will carefully ensure that there is no shortage in providing temporary housing facilities and essential supplies."

At the field meeting, government officials including Choi Sang-mok, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Ko Ki-dong, Acting Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Sung Tae-yoon, Policy Chief of the Presidential Office, Park Chun-seop, Senior Secretary for Economic Affairs, and Lee Cheol-woo, Governor of Gyeongbuk, attended. From the ruling party, Kwon Young-se, Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, Kwon Seong-dong, Floor Leader, and Kim Sang-hoon, Chairman of the Policy Committee, were also present.

Acting Prime Minister Han visited the Andong Indoor Gymnasium, where evacuated residents are temporarily residing, and said, "I offer my deepest condolences to all of you who have lost your homes and are facing difficulties due to this wildfire," promising, "We will spare no financial support and administrative backing until the recovery is complete."