22

At least 24 people have died as uncontrollable wildfires ravage South Korea’s southeastern region. The devastating fires have left thousands displaced and caused widespread damage, with emergency reports indicating that many victims were in their 60s and 70s. Additionally, 26 people have been injured, with 12 remaining in critical condition. Over 23,000 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes as the fires advance rapidly, endangering lives and properties.

Historic Disaster in South Korea

Acting President Han Duck-soo called the fires the most destructive in the country’s history, describing them as “rewriting disaster records.” The President warned that the situation remains extremely dangerous as the flames continue to spread uncontrollably. In Uiseong, the 1,300-year-old Gounsa temple was completely destroyed by the fire, despite efforts to evacuate its valuable relics. The temple, built in 618 AD, was a significant religious landmark, and its loss marks a devastating blow to South Korea’s cultural heritage.

Winds Drive Wildfires Across Multiple Counties

The wildfires, which began in Sancheong county on Friday, quickly spread to Uiseong and beyond. Strong, dry winds have pushed the flames into Andong, Yeongyang, Cheongsong, and Yeongdeok counties. Wildfire expert Lee Byung-doo described the scale and speed of the fires as “beyond belief.” According to Yonhap news agency, the fire front continues to grow, and the volatile conditions have made firefighting efforts increasingly difficult.

On Wednesday, a firefighting helicopter crashed in Uiseong, adding to the tragic toll of the disaster. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the crash. In response to the crisis, South Korea’s military deployed 5,000 troops alongside thousands of firefighters to control the multiple blazes. Additionally, U.S. military helicopters stationed in Korea have joined efforts to contain the fires from the air.

Unprecedented Crisis Level Declared

On Tuesday, fire officials raised the crisis level to the maximum for the first time this year. Severe wildfires are rare in South Korea, and fatalities from such events have historically been minimal. However, these fires have already claimed 24 lives, making it the deadliest blaze in the nation’s history. Authorities have reported the destruction of 17,000 hectares of forest, marking this wildfire as the third largest by area.

The destruction of Gounsa temple, a nationally treasured Buddhist structure, has added to the heartbreak felt across the country. The temple’s loss is a significant blow to South Korea’s cultural and religious identity, as it stood as one of the region’s most prominent landmarks.

Survivors Describe Chaos and Heartbreak

In Uiseong, local farmer Cho Jae-oak and his wife took extreme measures to protect their home, spraying it with water as fireballs fell from nearby hills. They evacuated when it became clear that the fires were too powerful to contain. A 68-year-old monk expressed his deep sorrow after learning that Gounsa temple had burned to the ground. “I asked myself why something like this had to happen,” he said. Despite the tragedy, he promised efforts would be made to restore the temple’s function and presence.

In Andong, evacuees staying in a school were forced to evacuate once again due to shifting winds. One evacuee, 79-year-old Kwon So-han, described how the fire rapidly descended from the hills and set his house ablaze. “It was chaos,” Kwon said, reflecting the panic and devastation that many in the affected areas have experienced.

Ongoing Struggle and Plans for Future Prevention

President Han acknowledged the immense challenge faced by emergency teams and stressed the difficulty of extinguishing such large fires in the face of strong winds. Firefighters continue to wait for rain to help contain the flames, but forecasts predict only five to ten millimeters of rain on Thursday—far less than needed to halt the fires. No rain is expected for Wednesday, further exacerbating the situation.

In the aftermath of the fires, Han vowed to analyze the emergency response failures and improve future wildfire prevention strategies. “Once fire starts, extinguishing it becomes difficult and life-threatening,” he said in a statement. As South Korea continues to experience unusually dry conditions with below-average rainfall, authorities have reported 244 wildfires this year, more than double the number from last year. To prevent further incidents, officials have pledged to strictly enforce fire safety laws and penalize illegal burning activities.