At least 22 people have been killed as wildfires continue to devastate South Korea's southern regions, fueled by persistent dry weather and strong winds. Government officials confirmed the death toll on Wednesday, highlighting challenges in containing fires despite initial success by firefighters to extinguish most flames earlier this week.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety reported over 5,500 evacuations across Andong, Uiseong, Sancheong, and Ulsan – areas hardest-hit by what officials describe as the largest wildfires recorded in these regions. While authorities managed to subdue the primary blazes by Tuesday, shifting winds and arid conditions reignited fires, complicating relief efforts.
"Our crews are working around the clock, but weather patterns remain unfavorable," a safety ministry spokesperson stated. The events underscore growing concerns about climate-related disasters in East Asia, as regional governments increasingly prioritize emergency response preparedness.
