At least 18 people have died and thousands have been evacuated as unprecedented wildfires ravage South Korea's southeastern region, destroying vital cultural heritage sites and prompting extensive firefighting efforts.**
Tragic Wildfires Claim Lives and Heritage in South Korea**
Tragic Wildfires Claim Lives and Heritage in South Korea**
South Korea faces its deadliest wildfires on record, prompting a nationwide emergency response as fires devastate the southeast region.**
At least 18 people have been killed and 19 injured as wildfires sweep through South Korea's southeastern regions, marking a crisis the government describes as unprecedented in scale and impact. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety reported that more than 23,000 individuals have been forced to evacuate their homes to escape the advancing flames.
Acting president Han Duck-soo addressed the nation, declaring the situation critical and stating that the ongoing blazes are "rewriting the record books for the worst wildfires in our nation's history." The wildfires are currently concentrated in Uiseong County and have already destroyed approximately 17,000 hectares of forest, making them one of the largest wildfires in South Korea's recorded history.
Among the casualties, several significant cultural heritage sites have been lost, including the historic Gounsa Temple, established in 618 AD, and recognized as a national treasure dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. The destruction of such important landmarks not only represents a loss of life but also of cultural history.
Authorities have deployed thousands of firefighters and about 5,000 military personnel to combat the fires, alongside US military helicopters that have joined the efforts. In response to the escalating crisis, the national fire agency raised its alert level to the highest possible, an action not taken at any point during the year prior.
The wildfires initiated in Sancheong County last Friday and have since spread into adjacent towns including Uiseong, Andong, and Yeongyang. Despite preparations, officials have found efforts complicated by strong winds that worsen the fire spread, with little relief expected in terms of rainfall.
President Han emphasized the immediate need for a review of the government's wildfire response once the situation stabilizes, particularly in terms of prevention strategies. He stated that the current climate, characterized by drier than usual conditions, has led to an alarming number of wildfires this year, over double the figures of the same period last year.
Moreover, the government has vowed to intensify regulation against illegal burning, which is recognized as a leading cause of these devastating fires. Continuous monitoring and action are now in place to mitigate future risks as South Korea grapples with the aftermath of these historic wildfires.
