At least 24 dead in South Korea’s worst-ever wildfires

At least 24 people have been killed as multiple wildfires continue to sweep through South Korea’s southeast region, marking one of the worst wildfire disasters in the country’s history.

Authorities report that most of the victims are elderly, in their 60s and 70s, and that at least 26 people have sustained injuries, with 12 in critical condition.

The fires, which ignited in Sancheong County on Friday afternoon, have since spread rapidly to Uiseong County, prompting the evacuation of over 23,000 residents. Acting President Han Duck-soo has described the situation as an “unprecedented crisis” that is “rewriting the record books for the worst wildfires in our nation’s history.”

Among the destruction, the 1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple in Uiseong City was gutted by the flames. Authorities were able to remove several cultural relics before the fire consumed the historic site.

Emergency response teams, including firefighters and military personnel, are battling to contain the blaze, but strong winds and dry conditions continue to fuel its spread. Officials are urging residents in high-risk areas to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders as the situation remains critical.

The South Korean government has pledged all available resources to combat the disaster, while rescue operations continue in affected regions. Investigations into the cause of the wildfires are ongoing.