Written by Lisa Murimi
At least 18 people have been killed, and 19 injured as devastating wildfires continue to ravage South Korea’s south-east region.
Authorities have described the crisis as “unprecedented,” marking the deadliest wildfires in the nation’s history.
The fires began on Friday in Sancheong County and rapidly spread to Uiseong and surrounding areas, fueled by strong, dry winds.
Over 23,000 residents have been evacuated as the flames advanced toward Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok.
Among the destruction is the 1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple in Uiseong, where several cultural relics were moved to safety before the fire gutted the historic site.
A Buddhist architectural structure from the Joseon Dynasty was also destroyed.
Efforts to contain the blaze have involved thousands of firefighters, 5,000 military personnel, and helicopters, including support from the US military. However, strong winds have hampered progress.
A firefighting helicopter crashed in Uiseong County on Wednesday, prompting an investigation. Acting President Han Duck-soo said the government will thoroughly review shortcomings in the wildfire response once the crisis is controlled.
With drier-than-normal conditions contributing to the outbreak, authorities vowed to strengthen enforcement against illegal burning and improve wildfire prevention strategies.
