A South Korean man
examines the burnt remains of houses in Andong (ANSA)
Archbishop of Seoul mobilizes relief efforts as wildfires
devastate South Korea
Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul has expressed
condolences to victims and mobilized Church-led relief efforts, as South Korea
grapples with the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in its history.
By LiCAS News
“Recent wildfires spreading across various regions of the
country have caused great suffering for many people,” Archbishop Chung said in
an official statement.
“My heart aches at the distressing news that continues to
reach us. I pray for the eternal rest of all souls lost to this unforeseen
disaster. I also pray that the Lord’s comforting and healing hand may be with
all those who have suffered and lost their homes,” the Archbishop added.
The prelate extended his condolences to emergency responders
and volunteers, especially those who died while working to contain the fires
and carry out rescue operations.
He also called for heightened caution to protect the safety
of those still on the frontlines.
Archbishop Chung affirmed the Archdiocese’s commitment to
supporting those affected, expressing hope for the swift containment of the
wildfires and the full recovery of displaced communities.
“The Archdiocese of Seoul will do its utmost to stand in
solidarity and identify meaningful ways to accompany them on the journey of
recovery,” he said.
The Archbishop’s statement came as government officials
confirmed that the wildfires, which erupted across southeastern regions over
the weekend, have now killed at least 27 people, displaced tens of thousands,
and burned over 35,000 hectares of forest—making them the largest and deadliest
on record since national tracking began in 1987.
Authorities said the toll could rise further as rescue
operations continue. Many of the victims were elderly residents, and among the
dead were three firefighters and a helicopter pilot who died when his aircraft
crashed in a mountainous area.
In the hardest-hit city of Andong, survivors described being
overwhelmed by the scale and speed of the disaster, Agence France-Presse
reported.
“I didn’t have the strength to put the fire out,” said
79-year-old Lee Sung-gu. “I didn’t have the courage to do it; I could only just
watch.”
Officials cited a dangerous combination of dry conditions,
high winds, and insufficient rainfall. “This wildfire has once again exposed
the harsh reality of a climate crisis unlike anything we’ve experienced
before,” said disaster and safety division chief Lee Han-kyung.
In response, the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul has begun
mobilizing relief efforts. The One Body One Spirit Movement, led by Fr. Oh
Seung-won, launched a fundraising campaign on March 27 that will run through
April 30, aiming to raise 2 billion KRW in aid for the most affected areas,
particularly the Diocese of Andong.
The Nanum Foundation of the Fool, chaired by Bishop Koo
Yo-bi, has pledged 1 billion KRW in emergency funding and is conducting a
separate special collection drive to support displaced residents and long-term
recovery.
Donations can be made through the official websites of both
organizations.
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