SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - King Charles III on Sunday expressed deep condolences over the massive wildfires devastating southeastern South Korea, calling the disaster “catastrophic” and extending sympathy to those affected.
“My wife and I were utterly appalled to hear of the catastrophic wildfires currently burning in the southeast of South Korea, a region that I know extended such a warm welcome to my late mother during her State Visit in 1999,” The British monarch expressed his concern in a statement conveyed through the British Embassy in Seoul on Sunday.
He also acknowledged the emotional and cultural toll of the fires, saying, “We can only begin to imagine the scale of the devastation, the heartrending distress of those whose lives have been so disastrously affected and the dreadful impact of these fires on the priceless, ancient heritage of South Korea.”
The monarch extended his heartfelt sympathies to the victims. “We both wanted to send our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and our special prayers remain with all those whose homes have been destroyed,” he added.
His message came amid growing international concern over what is now being called South Korea’s worst wildfire disaster in history.
According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters on Monday, the wildfires with dry air and typhoon-level winds have scorched large parts of North Gyeongsang Province and spread to nearby coastal and fishing communities as embers traveled up to two kilometers.
The blaze has resulted in at least 75 casualties and destroyed over 3,400 homes and 2,100 agricultural facilities. Thirty cultural heritage sites have also been damaged, raising concern about the loss of historical assets.
With April holidays approaching, when many people visit mountains, officials plan to strengthen wildfire prevention through increased patrols and stricter safety measures.
reporter
Im Yoon-seo
lyseo0330@ajupress.com
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