At least 18 people have died and 19 others have been injured as wildfires continue to devastate South Korea’s south-east region. Acting president Han Duck-soo has called the situation “unprecedented,” with the fires becoming the deadliest in the country’s history. Many of the victims are in their 60s and 70s, and more than 23,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas.
The wildfires, which began in Sancheong county on Friday, quickly spread to Uiseong county and beyond, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. The fires have advanced to neighboring counties such as Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok. In Uiseong, the blaze is reportedly spreading at an “unimaginable” scale and speed, according to forest disaster expert Lee Byung-doo.
One of the most significant losses was the 1,300-year-old Gounsa temple in Uiseong, which was completely destroyed. The temple, a Buddhist national treasure dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, had many cultural relics removed and transported to safety.
In Andong, evacuees sheltering in an elementary school were told to leave quickly as the fire was spread by gusty winds. Local residents, such as 79-year-old Kwon So-han, described how the fire, driven by strong winds, rapidly engulfed homes.
A firefighting helicopter also crashed in Uiseong county, though authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident. Thousands of firefighters and around 5,000 military personnel have been mobilized, along with helicopters from the US military stationed in Korea, in an effort to contain the fires.
This wildfire crisis is South Korea’s most severe to date, with 17,000 hectares of forest already destroyed, making it the third-largest wildfire in terms of area. The country has seen a significant increase in wildfires this year, with 244 reported, over twice the number for the same period last year. The government is working to strengthen enforcement against illegal burning and individual carelessness, two major causes of wildfires.
Acting president Han stated that all available personnel and equipment have been deployed to fight the fires, but strong winds continue to make firefighting efforts challenging. The region is experiencing drier-than-usual conditions, with little rainfall expected in the coming days, leaving officials hoping for rain to help control the flames.