Fierce Wildfires Devastate South Korea's Southern Regions Amid Strong Winds

Severe wildfires across South Korea's southern regions have claimed at least 16 lives and injured 19 others. The fires, fueled by strong winds and dry weather, have destroyed thousands of acres, historic sites, and forced thousands to evacuate. Human activities may have sparked some blazes.

At least 16 individuals have perished in a series of wildfires that have swept across South Korea's southern areas, official sources disclosed on Wednesday. Nineteen others have sustained injuries as the fires continue to devastate the region amid challenging dry, windy conditions.

Local authorities in Andong, as well as in neighboring southeastern cities, issued evacuation orders on Tuesday. Firefighters faced difficulties controlling numerous blazes, exacerbated by the dry winds, consuming over 43,000 acres of land and destroying numerous structures, including a revered 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple.

The South Korean Interior and Safety Ministry reported the evacuation of over 5,500 residents from Andong, Uiseong, Sancheong, and Ulsan. Although many fires were initially contained, ongoing adverse weather has led to renewed outbreaks, prompting continued firefighting efforts involving nearly 9,000 personnel and over 130 helicopters.

(With inputs from agencies.)