Dry Weather Spurs Wildfires and Influenza Outbreaks
Recent dry weather in Busan and Gyeongnam has sparked significant concerns. A dry warning has been in effect in Busan for nearly a month. This increased dryness has led to an uptick in wildfires and a worrying influenza outbreak.
Wildfires in Busan
On the evening of January 21, a wildfire ignited in the city of Gijang, Busan. The fire scorched 13 hectares of forest before being brought under control after 21 hours. Despite the fire being extinguished, local authorities remain on high alert.
Continued Vigilance
Forest wardens are actively monitoring the area, checking for any lingering embers that could reignite the blaze. One warden stated, “We are currently confirming the clean-up of residual flames to prevent further incidents.”
Dry Weather Warnings
- Busan, Gimhae, and Yangsan have been placed under dry warnings.
- Other regions in Gyeongnam are under dry advisories.
- Busan’s dry alert has persisted for nearly a month.
Influenza Outbreak
The dry conditions have also exacerbated respiratory illnesses, particularly influenza, among children and adolescents. The B strain of influenza, typically seen in March, is spreading earlier than usual this year.
Health Concerns
Parents have reported cases of flu symptoms in kindergartens. One parent noted, “I prepared myself after hearing about the flu outbreak at the kindergarten, and it turns out my child tested positive.”
Need for Caution
With no rain forecast for the next ten days, residents are urged to remain vigilant regarding fire risks and health management. Both the ongoing wildfires and the influenza outbreak underscore the pressing need for caution during these unusually dry conditions.
