Over 1 in 3 Gyeongbuk wildfire survivors identified as high-risk for mental health issues

More than one in three residents affected by last year's wildfires in the Gyeongbuk region have been found to be at high risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can occur after a severe traumatic experience, accompanied by symptoms such as extreme fear, helplessness, and re-experiencing the event through nightmares. The survey results showed that 34.25% of respondents were in the high-risk group for PTSD, with 24.0% identified as being at high risk for depression. Among those under 65 years old, the PTSD positive rate was 42.2%, and for evacuees whose homes were damaged, the PTSD rate was 42.1%.

Professor Oh Sang-hoon analyzed that as climate change increases the frequency, scale, and duration of wildfires, they are leading to collective mental health crises beyond physical damage. He explained that life-threatening situations, forced evacuations, and loss of homes act as traumatic events, potentially prolonging PTSD and depressive symptoms. Consequently, opinions emerged that mid-to-long-term responses are necessary from immediately after the disaster.

Meanwhile, the wildfire that began in Uiseong, Gyeongbuk last March spread to five other cities and counties, including Yeongdeok. The fire resulted in 27 deaths and displaced over 3,000 residents.