South Korea Battles Catastrophic Wildfires: 24 Dead, Thousands Displaced, Historic Sites Damaged:

Wind-blown wildfires, described as some of South Korea's worst ever, have torn through the southern regions of the country, killing 24 people, destroying over four hundred buildings, and displacing 28,800 people from their homes. This information comes from officials on Wednesday. The death count also includes a pilot who died during an attempt to contain a fire in Uiseong, which is considered one of the worst affected areas. The aircraft did not have any other crew on board. Police noted that the majority of deceased were elderly people in their sixties and seventies. The national fire agency disclosed that at least 26 people have suffered injuries of varying degree. According to the government’s emergency response center, ancient Buddhist temples, houses, numerous factories, vehicles in addition to the 17,752 hectares of land (43,866 acres) have been claimed by the wildfires. In a televised address, acting President of South Korea Han Duck-soo noted that the wildfires, which initiated last Friday, are far greater than previously recorded ones.

“Like I said earlier, havoc and panic is rising,” Han explained. “If we do not focus on putting out the wildfires the rest of this week, we could face damages we have never saw before.” Han noted that strong winds blowing through those areas made it difficult for the crews to put out the wildfires. He also stated that around 130 helicopters were assisting on Wednesday and that “some” rain between 5-10 millimeters (0.1-0.3 inches) is anticipated on Thursday.

Firefighters in attendance on Wednesday were still tackling at least six of the wildfires, including the Yeongdeok’s southeastern coastal town which warned the closest villager to go to the indoor gymnasium.

Hazy skies due to smoke and strong winds caused the Andong authorities to evacuate two villages, including Puncheon with the Hahoe folk village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates back to the 14th and 15th century. Fires also began to spread nearer to other regions, posing a severe threat to hikers enjoying the breathtaking scenic view of Jiiri Mountain, one of the largest national parks in South Korea.

Spanning wildfires are thought to be the third largest in terms of land burned in South Korean history. The most severe fires has formerly occurred in Andong, the adjoining counties of Uiseong, Sancheong, and the city of Ulsan.

On Tuesday, officials reported that firefighters had contained the most aggressive out of control fires in those regions, and winds along with dry weather aided in the spread of these fires.

The wildfires at Uiseong ruined approximately twenty of thirty buildings and structures at Gounsa temple whose construction is said to date back to the seventh century. Some of the burnt structures included two state designated 'treasures' which were, an 1668 pavilioned building that was built for viewing a stream and a lifetime pavilion erected in the reign of the 28th king in the Dynasty housed in 1904 during the Joseon era.

In other news, the Justice ministry has claimed that they have handily relocated five hundred inmates from a detention flaunting facility located at Cheongsong, another southern town, however no damages were incurred to the claim center.

As stated from the Korea Forest Service, the level of warning for the wildfires was elevated to the top for the entire country. Local authorities have been directed to provide a greater number of emergency aid personnel, increase restrictions to entrance in forests and parks, and request military units to refrain from live seat firing practices.

As per the authorities, there were four firefighters and public workers who perished in Sancheong on Saturday after being encircled by fierce flames fueled by strong winds, which were moving rapidly. Government officers think that the cause of many such fires is human negligence, perhaps because fire was used to clear tall grass covering family graves or it could have been due to welding.