Seoul's autonomous districts are actively stepping up to aid in the recovery and support efforts following the largest-ever wildfire damage in the Gyeongbuk region. The wildfire, which began in Uiseong, Gyeongbuk on the 22nd of last month, spread extensively to areas including Andong, Yeongdeok, Yeongyang, and Cheongsong, causing massive casualties and property damage.
Seoul autonomous districts are stepping up to assist with wildfire recovery and support in the Gyeongbuk region. The photo shows Kim Mi-kyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong District (right in the photo), delivering relief supplies to Yeongyang County, Gyeongbuk. Provided by Eunpyeong District.
Eunpyeong-gu, to assist its sister city Yeongyang-gun in Gyeongbuk, delivered donations and relief supplies worth approximately 90 million KRW on the 7th, following the first round of support on the 27th of last month. This additional support was made possible through the cooperation of about 30 local functional organizations, including the residents' autonomy committee.
They prepared relief supplies valued at around 70 million KRW, including 100 microwaves, 288 sets of underwear for the elderly and firefighters, medicines, and donations. Eunpyeong-gu office employees also participated in the fundraising, collecting over 20 million KRW in total donations.
Jung-gu began fundraising on the 31st of last month, and by the 4th, 711 employees had contributed, raising 21.57 million KRW. The collected funds will be used through the Community Chest of Korea for recovery efforts in the heavily damaged areas and to stabilize the lives of disaster victims.
Earlier, on the 1st, Jung-gu supported emergency relief supplies worth a total of 41.7 million KRW?including instant rice, cup noodles, and socks?collected from local residents, district office employees, and various departments, to areas such as Andong, Cheongsong, and Yeongdeok where employees’ families reside. Jung-gu will continue its fundraising campaign centered on the local community for wildfire damage recovery until the 30th of this month.
Gangnam-gu also urgently provided donations and supplies worth approximately 175 million KRW to help residents in the Yeongnam region who lost their homes, and is conducting a comprehensive fundraising campaign through the Hope Sharing Campaign until the 18th of this month.
Gangdong-gu is identifying urgently needed items by region to help residents of its sister cities Andong, Cheongsong, and Yeongdeok quickly restore their daily lives, preparing and providing daily necessities worth about 5 million KRW for each area.
An official from the autonomous districts stated, “This is a meaningful example of practicing a warm community spirit beyond simple material support,” adding, “We hope this warm-heartedness spreads nationwide so that we can overcome difficulties together.”
Meanwhile, each autonomous district is implementing measures to prevent wildfires and establish response systems, including organizing firefighter teams among public officials, holding meetings with related agencies for wildfire prevention, conducting wildfire prevention publicity campaigns targeting residents, and carrying out joint wildfire response drills.
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