South Korea is battling its worst wildfire outbreak in recent history, with at least 18 people confirmed dead and thousands forced to evacuate.
The fires, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, have razed thousands of hectares of land and destroyed critical infrastructure.
The blazes erupted over the weekend, with Uiseong County suffering the most damage.
Acting President Han Duck-soo called the situation “the most devastating” wildfire disaster in the country’s history.
The flames have destroyed roads, cut power lines, and even levelled an ancient temple. Authorities have escalated the crisis response to the highest level, transferring thousands of prisoners for safety.
Evacuees described the chaos, with some escaping with nothing but the clothes on their backs. “The wind was so strong. As soon as I got the evacuation order, I ran,” one survivor said.
Efforts to contain the fires have been hindered by high winds and limited aerial support.
“The wind patterns and dry weather have exposed the limitations of conventional firefighting methods,” Han acknowledged.
Firefighters are working to prevent the destruction of the historic Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO-listed site.
Officials confirmed that the fire in Uiseong was started accidentally by an individual tending a grave.
Authorities are providing emergency relief to affected communities, promising financial support for displaced residents.
Experts warn that climate change is worsening South Korea’s wildfire risk, with record-high temperatures and prolonged dry spells increasing the likelihood of such disasters.