Dead Pine Trees Swaying in the Wind Raise Safety Concerns

〈Anchor〉

As pine wilt disease spreads nationwide, 1.77 million pine trees have withered and died this year alone. Experts point out that safety measures are urgently needed, as dead trees infected with the disease could collapse during strong winds or heavy downpours, causing major damage to nearby roads and residential areas.

Reporter Kim Su-yun has more.

〈Reporter〉

An expressway in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do.

Pine trees turned white are densely packed along the surrounding mountains.

These are dead trees killed by pine wilt disease.

The number of dead trees confirmed nationwide this year alone reaches 1.77 million.

As dead pine trees rot, their structural strength decreases. If they collapse due to external impacts such as strong winds, they can threaten the safety of vehicles and pedestrians.

This is a dead tree killed by pine wilt disease near the expressway.

Even when I shake the lower part of the tree just a little bit, the entire tree sways precariously.

The situation is no different around railways.

Dead trees are concentrated near tunnel entrances and slopes. If they fall onto the tracks, it could lead to additional damage such as collisions with trains or severed power lines.

There are also numerous dead trees scattered along national highways.

The infected tree visible behind me is leaning precariously like this.

As you can see, it is almost touching power lines, meaning that if this tree falls, it could lead to greater hazards such as fires.

Residents feel anxious just looking at them.

[Park Sung-bok / Gampo-eup, Gyeongju]: "I wish the dead trees would be cleared away quickly. There might be budget issues for the city, but since things aren't being done promptly, it is quite frustrating."

Environmental groups state that authorities should promptly survey areas within reach of broken or fallen dead trees and remove the high-risk trees first.

[Seo Jae-chul / Senior Specialist, Green Korea United]: "Starting from now, we need to conduct precise risk management for pine trees infected with pine wilt disease, covering major railways, roads, national facilities, multi-use facilities, military facilities, as well as residents' living zones and private homes..."

Forestry authorities stated that they will designate areas with severe situations as special control zones to monitor dead trees and strengthen control measures by promptly removing them.

(Video Journalist: Jung Kyung-moon, Design: Kim Min-young)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.