South Korea Battles Worst Ever Wildfires as Death Toll Hits 27

South Korea is facing its worst-ever wildfires, which have doubled in size since yesterday. The death toll has risen to 27, and authorities are calling the blazes the country’s worst natural disaster in recent history.

Unprecedented Scale and Speed

The wildfires, which began in Uiseong County, have now spread over 33,000 hectares, making it the largest forest fire in South Korea’s history. Gusty winds and dry conditions have exacerbated the situation, with flames reaching the coastal county of Yeongdeok within just 12 hours.

Impact on Historic Sites

The fires have devastated historic landmarks, including the Gounsa Temple, a 1,300-year-old Buddhist site. Firefighters are working to protect UNESCO World Heritage sites like Hahoe Village and the Byeongsan Confucian Academy.

Climate Change and Future Risks

Experts attribute the rapid spread and intensity of the fires to climate change, which has turned dry landscapes into fire-prone areas. Higher temperatures and dry conditions are expected to make such disasters more frequent globally.

Ongoing Efforts

Over 120 helicopters and military resources have been deployed to combat the fires. However, limited rainfall in the affected areas is hampering efforts to extinguish the flames.

Image: Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters

Authorities are urging residents to evacuate and are focusing on preventing further loss of life and property.