At least 24 people have been killed as multiple wildfires continue to ravage South Korea’s south-east region.Β
Most of the victims are in their 60s and 70s, say authorities, adding that some 26 people are injured – with 12 in critical condition – as the deadly wildfires have forced more than 23,000 people to flee their homes.
The “unprecedented” crisis remains critical and is “rewriting the record books for the worst wildfires in our nation’s history”, said acting president Han Duck-soo.
The fires gutted the 1,300-year-old Gounsa temple in Uiseong city, where many cultural relics were removed and transported to safer ground.
The fires started in Sancheong county on Friday afternoon and later spread to Uiseong county, authorities said.
Fuelled by strong and dry winds, the fires are advancing to the neighbouring counties of Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang and Yeongdeok, Yonhap news agency reported.
πNational tragedy in South Korea β massive wildfires continue for the sixth day
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) March 26, 2025
18 people have died, and over 23,000 have been evacuated.
The fires have destroyed more than 17,000 hectares of forest and damaged over 200 structures, including homes, factories, and an ancient⦠pic.twitter.com/aqMNFxOSvE
