Seoul: The death toll from a wave of wildfires that tore through the southeastern region of South Korea has risen to 18, with one person still missing. The fires, which began in Sancheong County in South Gyeongsang Province last Friday, have spread to nearby Uiseong, advancing rapidly due to strong and dry winds. Firefighters continue to battle the blazes in an effort to contain them.
According to Kuwait News Agency, acting President Han Duck-soo has called for exhaustive efforts to prevent the further spread of these deadly wildfires, describing them as "the worst ever wildfires." The fires have already destroyed 17,000 hectares of forest and 209 houses and factories, causing significant damage.
The flames have also engulfed Goun Temple in Uiseong, an ancient temple built in 681 during the Silla Dynasty. Fortunately, national treasures stored in the temple had been relocated to other locations prior to the destruction. Thousands of firefighters, along with dozens of helicopters and vehicles, have been deployed to combat the fires.
Since last Friday, the South Korean military has deployed approximately 5,000 service members and 146 helicopters to assist in fighting the wildfires raging in the southeastern region.