What have become the biggest wildfires in South Korea’s history have claimed the lives of at least 27 people.
The majority of individuals who perished were in their 60s and 70s; in other words, those who found it difficult to flee the swiftly approaching infernos.
According to local media, the number includes three occupants of a care facility who perished when the fire consumed their automobile while they were attempting to flee.
Tens of thousands of people have been displaced, and efforts are still underway to safeguard historic sites that are located in the line of the five flames that are still raging.
The government will direct extra resources towards victim assistance and damage recovery in the four additional areas that have been designated as exceptional disaster zones.
Gyeongbuk Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok woodland are the most recent locations to be included on the list.
Several other locations, like as Ulju, Ulsan, and Sancheong, had previously been designated as special disaster zones.
Five large fires are still burning, according to Korea’s forest service.
During a period of significant uncertainty regarding the country’s leadership, the South Korean government is battling the fires.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was reinstated as the nation’s acting leader just a few days ago after the Supreme Court rejected an attempt to remove him earlier this week.