Prime Minister Han Duck-soo Visits Fire-Damaged Areas in Yeongdeok

On April 2, 2025, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who is currently acting as President, visited the fire-affected areas in Yeongdeok, North Gyeongsang Province. During his visit, he expressed his commitment to swiftly address the housing issues faced by residents currently staying in temporary shelters following the devastating wildfires that claimed 31 lives and destroyed 6,944 structures, including homes and factories. This marks Han's third visit to the region since the fires began.

In the afternoon, Han toured the village of Nomulri, where he received updates on the damage and recovery plans from Kim Kwang-yeol, the mayor of Yeongdeok, and Ko Gi-dong, the acting Minister of the Interior and Safety. Han remarked on the profound impact of the disaster, stating, "Seeing the destruction of homes and livelihoods, it is difficult to fathom the shock and sense of loss the residents must feel." He urged the Ministry of the Interior and local governments to prioritize recovery efforts and ensure that necessary support is provided promptly.

Han also instructed officials to minimize the inconveniences faced by evacuees in temporary shelters and to expedite the development of long-term housing solutions. He emphasized the need for rapid restoration of electricity and communication services in affected villages and called for thorough assessments of damages to farms and aquaculture facilities to ensure residents can sustain their livelihoods.

During his meeting with Nomulri residents, Han extended his condolences to those who lost their lives in the fires and offered words of comfort to those enduring hardships in temporary accommodations. He acknowledged the seriousness of climate change and its role in the increasing severity of wildfires, promising to work closely with local governments to devise recovery strategies for the devastated areas. Han expressed gratitude to the local government, military, police, and firefighters for their tireless efforts in battling the fires and thanked volunteers for their dedication in supporting the affected communities.

Later, Han visited the National Sports Center in Yeongdeok, where evacuees are currently residing. He assured them that their struggles are deeply understood and that the government is committed to swift recovery and support. "We will strive to provide you with a comfortable living environment," he stated, encouraging residents to remain hopeful despite their challenges.

Han also praised the community spirit displayed during the crisis, noting that foreign workers had rescued numerous villagers and that local officials had worked tirelessly to provide aid, even at the risk of their health. He urged the mayor to continue efforts to help the community recover and thrive in the aftermath of the disaster.