South Korea wildfire fanned by strong winds, forces over 500 people to evacuate homes in Gangneung City

In South Korea, over 500 people have been evacuated from their homes in Gangneung City as strong winds fanned a wildfire on Tuesday. While the firefighters were struggling to put out the fast-moving blaze, rain tamped it down preventing further spread.

According to officials, the fire started in the morning and was mostly extinguished by evening. However, the fire consumed 170 hectares of land forcing the evacuation of some 550



residents in the city of more than 2 lakh people.

According to the Korea Forest Service, the fire killed one and injured three people, including two firefighters.

Dozens of buildings also got destroyed due to the massive blaze.  South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol had ordered officials to mobilize all available resources to minimize casualties.