Devastating South Korean Wildfires Spread Across Southeast

Wildfires swept across South Korea's southeast, prompting mass evacuations of residents and inmates. Acting President Han Duck-soo promised swift action with aerial and ground firefighting resources. The UN-designated Hahoe Folk Village was under threat, as authorities transferred prisoners from affected areas. The fires claimed four lives and destroyed historical sites.

Severe wildfires have engulfed South Korea's southeastern region, forcing significant evacuations, including thousands of inmates, and displacing residents from their homes. Acting President Han Duck-soo has called for immediate action to quell the fires using both helicopters and ground personnel.

The city of Andong, home to approximately 150,000 people and the UNESCO World Heritage site Hahoe Folk Village, issued an evacuation alert as the fires neared. As an extra precaution, the Ministry of Justice has begun the relocation of about 2,600 inmates from four prisons in Cheongsong County.

Since igniting over the weekend, the blazes—fueled by strong winds and dry conditions—have resulted in four deaths and the destruction of multiple landmarks, including ancient Buddhist temples. The devastation prompted authorities to declare affected counties as 'special disaster zones'.

(With inputs from agencies.)