Kim In-ho, Chair of Seoul Metropolitan Council, Proposes Emergency Wildfire Recovery Support for Uljin and Samcheok to Seoul City

Seoul Metropolitan Council Urges Emergency Support for Wildfire Areas Using Seoul City External Cooperation Fund... Chair Kim In-ho States, "Urgent Protection Needed for Disaster Victims Exposed Not Only to Wildfire Damage but Also to COVID-19 Threats," Emphasizing, "Seoul's Role Is Crucial in Difficult Times... Must Lead Active and Swift Support"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Kim In-ho, Chairman of the Seoul Metropolitan Council (Democratic Party of Korea, Dongdaemun-gu 3rd electoral district), proposed to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on the 5th the rapid extinguishing of the wildfires in the Uljin and Samcheok areas and the urgent support of relief supplies using the external cooperation fund.

The wildfire that started in Uljin, Gyeongbuk at around 11:17 a.m. on the 4th spread to Samcheok, Gangwon, driven by strong winds, and the national crisis alert level has been raised to ‘Severe.’ Fire authorities are making every effort to extinguish the wildfire but are facing difficulties due to the continuing strong winds.

As of 7:30 a.m. on the 5th, an area equivalent to 8,496 soccer fields has been burned, and about 90 buildings have been destroyed. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government’s external cooperation fund is a resource established to promote friendly relations and exchange cooperation projects between Seoul and local regions and to provide humanitarian aid in the event of disasters.

During the wildfire in the Goseong area in April 2019, Seoul also urgently deployed helicopters, fire trucks, and about 600 firefighters to the fire site, actively utilizing the Seoul external cooperation fund to provide relief supplies such as bottled Arisu water to the victims and support emergency disaster recovery.

Additionally, in August 2020, the Seoul Metropolitan Council proposed emergency support measures to Seoul during nationwide floods in Gangwon, Chungcheong, Gwangju, and Jeolla regions, which Seoul immediately accepted and provided relief supplies worth a total of 600 million won to seven cities and provinces.

Chairman Kim In-ho stated, “We must make every effort for early extinguishing to prevent casualties and minimize property damage until the wildfire is over,” adding, “Since the wildfires in Uljin, Gyeongbuk, and Samcheok, Gangwon, have not yet been contained and many victims have already occurred, active cooperation and support at the national level as well as from local governments nationwide are urgently needed.”

He also said, “Although Seoul has already put much effort into extinguishing the fire that broke out in Guryong Village, Gaepo-dong, Seoul, the day before, I ask everyone to work together once more with a united heart to minimize nationwide disaster damage,” emphasizing, “In difficult times, the role of Seoul, as the eldest brother of the nation, is important.”

Chairman Kim emphasized, “Especially, since the victims are exposed not only to property and psychological damage caused by the wildfire but also to health and safety risks amid the strong spread of COVID-19, more active and prompt support is necessary.”

Finally, Chairman Kim expressed deep condolences to the residents of the disaster areas who have suffered great damage during these difficult times and added, “Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Metropolitan Council will actively take the lead in the early extinguishing of the wildfire and ensuring the safety of the victims.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.