FAMILY GRAVE
Some types of extreme weather have a well-established link with climate change, such as heat waves or heavy rainfall.
Other phenomena, such as forest fires, droughts, snowstorms and tropical storms can result from a combination of complex factors.
In Daegu and the North Gyeongsang region, “the air is extremely dry and strong winds are blowing, creating the risk that even a small spark could quickly spread into a large wildfire”, an official from the local meteorological administration said.
The fire in Uiseong was reportedly caused by an individual visiting a family grave.
The person told emergency services: “I accidentally started the fire while cleaning the grave site”, according to local media.
South Korea’s acting president confirmed this was likely the case.
“The wildfire is believed to have been caused by an individual who was visiting an ancestral grave and accidentally started the blaze,” Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
“Most wildfires are caused by human negligence and the public should strictly follow wildfire prevention guidelines,” he added.
South Korea’s neighbouring Japan was also experiencing wildfires, with hundreds of firefighters battling a blaze in Imabari city of western Ehime region since Sunday.
Another wildfire, which also started on Sunday, was affecting the city of Okayama, burning around 250ha and damaging six buildings.
Japan saw the country’s worst wildfire in more than half a century early this month. It engulfed about 2,900ha – around half the size of Manhattan – and killed at least one person.
Source: CNA
