The death toll from the wildfires caused by strong winds in South Korea has risen to 24, making these fires some of the worst on record. More than 200 structures have been destroyed, and over 27,000 people have been forced to evacuate, according to officials on Wednesday.
Among the victims was a pilot who died when a helicopter crashed while attempting to control the fires in the southeastern city of Uiseong, one of the most heavily affected areas.
The National Fire Agency reported that at least 26 people have been injured to varying degrees. The fires, which have burned through 43,330 hectares of land, have also destroyed ancient Buddhist temples, homes, factories, and vehicles, according to the government’s emergency response center.
