Deadly Wildfires in South Korea Claim 24 Lives and Displace Thousands

At least 24 people have died and thousands have been evacuated in South Korea due to catastrophic wildfires, prompting the government to declare a national emergency.

At least 24 people have lost their lives in the recent catastrophic wildfires sweeping across South Korea's southeastern region, marking the most devastating fire crisis in the nation’s history. The majority of the victims are elderly, aged 60 to 70 years, and 26 others have been reported injured, with 12 in critical condition. Authorities have taken urgent steps as over 23,000 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the advancing flames, which have consumed large swathes of land.

The unprecedented wildfires began in Sancheong county on Friday, spreading rapidly through Uiseong and neighboring counties like Gyeongbuk, Andong, Cheongsong, and Yeongyang, exacerbated by strong, dry winds. Acting President Han Duck-soo labeled the outbreak an "unprecedented" disaster, fundamentally altering the historical records of wildfires in South Korea.

Rescue and firefighting operations intensified as the national fire agency raised the crisis response to its highest alert level. A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday when a firefighting helicopter crashed in Uiseong's mountainous terrain, claiming the life of its pilot as officials work to determine the crash's cause. Thousands of firefighters and approximately 5,000 military personnel have been deployed to combat the raging fires, alongside helicopters from the US military stationed in the region.

The wildfires caused extensive destruction, including the loss of a 1,300-year-old historic temple in Uiseong, where many valuable cultural artifacts were rescued. A local resident recounted the horror of the situation with vivid imagery: "It was like the apocalypse." Another resident in Uiseong expressed concern over the elderly community, stating, "After their homes burned down, they have nowhere to go."

The Gounsa temple, a significant cultural landmark built in 618 AD, was amongst the most affected structures, prompting a 68-year-old monk to express sorrow over its destruction. As the fire continues to threaten more regions, Acting President Han indicated that ongoing strong winds hamper firefighting efforts and emphasized the urgent need for rain, which is not forecasted in the immediate future.

With 244 wildfires recorded this year so far—2.4 times more than last year—the South Korean government has pledged to bolster enforcement against illegal burning, a leading cause of wildfires. The current wildfire situation presents an ongoing challenge, as local communities grapple with its disastrous consequences while efforts to restore and recover continue.