At least 24 dead in ‘worst wildfires in South Korea’s history’

 At least 24 dead in ‘worst wildfires in South Korea’s history

Buddhist Temple

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At least 24 people have died as multiple wildfires continue to ravage the southeastern region of South Korea.

Most of the victims are in their 60s and 70s, authorities said, adding that 26 people were injured, 12 of whom were in critical condition. More than 23,000 people have been forced to flee their homes.

The ‘unprecedented’ crisis is ‘rewriting the record for the worst wildfires in our country’s history,’ acting President Han Deok-soo said.

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The fires have destroyed a 1,300-year-old temple in Uiseong City, where many cultural relics have been removed and transported to a safer location.

The fires started in Sancheong County on Friday and have since spread to Uiseong County.

Fueled by strong, dry winds, they spread to the neighboring Gyeongbuk, Uiseong, Andong, Jeongseon, Yeongyang, and Sancheon counties.

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On Tuesday, the national fire agency raised the alarm to its highest level for the fire.

A firefighting helicopter crashed in the Uiseong mountains on Wednesday, killing the pilot. Officials are investigating the cause.

Thousands of firefighters and about 5,000 military personnel were deployed to contain the blaze, and helicopters from the U.S. military stationed in Korea.

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“It was like the apocalypse.”

Wildfires are relatively rare in South Korea. The current blazes are already the deadliest in its history.

About 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) of forest have also been destroyed, making the fires the third-largest in South Korean history.

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One villager in Andong told BBC Korean: “Our house was completely burned down. It almost completely collapsed.”

Elsewhere in Andong, people sheltering in an elementary school were ordered to quickly evacuate as the fire spread in gusty winds.

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A 30-year-old man living in Uiseong said, “Both the house upstairs and the house next to it were burned down. This area is full of grandparents. They have lived here all their lives, and when their houses burn down, they have nowhere to go.”

In Uiseong, the fire destroyed Gunsa Temple, one of the largest temples in the province, built in 618 AD.

A 68-year-old monk said he was “devastated” when he heard about the destruction of the Gunsa Temple. “We will do our best to restore the temple to normal operation,” he told AFP news agency.

Forestry authorities confirmed that a Buddhist architectural structure considered a national treasure since the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) was also destroyed.

In Andong, truck driver Lee Seung-ju said he saw mountains burning as he drove past. "It was like the apocalypse," the 39-year-old said, according to AFP.

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