The outbreak of a massive fire in the Guryong village, the only remaining slum in the South Korean capital city of Seoul, has led to the evacuation of around 500 people.
According to Shin Yong-ho, an official with the Gangnam Fire Station, first responders arrived five minutes after the fire broke out around 6:28 am in the fourth district of the village.
The fire damaged an area of 2700 square meters before it was extinguished around 11:50 am.
Around 60 homes were burnt down but no death or injuries have been reported as of yet.
According to videos on social media, the fire was seen engulfing what looks like rows of homes, with huge plumes of thick black smoke hanging above the slum as sirens wail nearby.
More than 800 response personnel have been mobilized, including firefighters, police, and government workers, while 10 helicopters have been deployed to assist with the response after President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered authorities to mobilize all available personnel and equipment.
He also ordered the local government to evacuate people and ensure the safety of rescue workers.
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