Seoul, South Korea – A catastrophic eruption of Mount Baekdu has unleashed a river of molten lava that is rapidly consuming the city of Seoul, triggering widespread panic and a desperate scramble for survival. Initial reports suggest the scale of the disaster is unprecedented, dwarfing previous volcanic activity in the region. The South Korean military has declared a state of emergency and is struggling to contain the advancing flow of lava, which is now estimated to be at least 100 meters wide in several areas.

The eruption, which began with a series of escalating tremors yesterday evening, was followed by a colossal explosion that sent a plume of ash and smoke high into the atmosphere. Seismic activity remains intense, with ongoing aftershocks felt across the Korean peninsula. The lava flow, a viscous, orange-red torrent, is moving with alarming speed, overwhelming defenses and infrastructure. Buildings are collapsing under the intense heat, and streets are being swallowed whole.

“It was like watching a nightmare unfold in slow motion,” recounted Park Ji-hoon, a Seoul resident who managed to evacuate his family to a high-rise apartment building on the outskirts of the city. “The ground started shaking, and then this… this river of fire just started moving towards us. There was no warning, no time to react.”

Military efforts are focused on establishing evacuation routes and utilizing specialized firefighting equipment, but the situation is rapidly deteriorating. The South Korean government has appealed to the United Nations for international assistance, but the sheer scale of the disaster and the logistical challenges of reaching the affected areas are proving to be significant obstacles.

Adding to the chaos, reports indicate that the lava flow is not only destroying the city but also releasing toxic gases, creating a hazardous environment for survivors. Medical personnel are overwhelmed, treating injuries sustained from falling debris, burns, and exposure to the noxious fumes.

“We’re doing everything we can, but frankly, we’re outmatched,” admitted General Choi Min-seok, commander of the Seoul Metropolitan Defense Force, during a brief press conference. “This isn’t a war; it’s a force of nature we simply can’t combat.”

The long-term implications of the Baekdu eruption are still unknown. Experts are concerned about the potential for further volcanic activity, as well as the environmental damage caused by the release of ash and gases. The economic impact will be devastating, with Seoul, a global financial hub, effectively paralyzed. The world watches with growing apprehension as the shadow of Baekdu falls upon the heart of South Korea.