South Korea is grappling with one of its most devastating wildfire outbreaks, with at least 24 dead and widespread destruction across the southeast.
Over the weekend, numerous fires ravaged the region, forcing 27,000 people to evacuate and causing power and communication outages. The blazes have scorched nearly 42,991 acres, with Uiseong county bearing the brunt of the damage.
The death toll, which includes civilians, firefighters, and a helicopter pilot, is expected to rise. Authorities have raised the crisis alert to its highest level, as wildfires continue for the fifth consecutive day, exceeding prediction models.
Two UNESCO-listed sites—Hahoe Folk Village and Byeongsan Seowon—are under threat, with the flames just five kilometers from the historic village. Firefighters are desperately battling the advancing fire, with smoke and ash overwhelming the skies.
Experts link the severity of the fires to extreme weather, exacerbated by climate change. As South Korea experiences an unusually dry year, experts warn that wildfires like these are likely to become more frequent. Local authorities are working tirelessly, but changing wind patterns and dry conditions are making it harder to control the spread.
This unprecedented disaster highlights the growing risks posed by climate change, pushing the limits of traditional firefighting methods and threatening both lives and heritage.
