The death toll from wildfires in southeast South Korea has increased to at least 22, and authorities are concerned that the number may continue to climb.
Yonhap’s official news agency reported Wednesday that at least 18 people have died in the southeast of the country since Tuesday afternoon, causing the total loss to at least 22. One person was also missing, and the two were seriously injured.
Four first responders died while fighting the fire over the weekend.
According to Yonhap, about 5,000 firefighters and more than 140 helicopters are currently taking action to combat the fire, which has destroyed about 17,000 hectares of forest.
Authorities declared at least four counties in disaster areas in the area.
The fire began on Friday, causing great damage in Sancheen County, about 250 kilometers southeast of Seoul. Several historical sites have been destroyed.
Yonhap reported that Goun Temple, built in 681, was destroyed, adding that the national treasures that had been stored in the ancient temples before their destruction had been relocated. The historic Hahoe Village was announced as a World Heritage Site in 2010, and the village was also threatened by flames.
Authorities have ordered evacuation to protect residents.
Officials said the fire was fueled by dry winds and prolonged droughts.
Wildfires in South Korea are not uncommon during the dry period. In recent years, both average temperature and extreme weather events in the country have increased, greatly increasing the risk and severity of fires. Experts believe that the increase in wildfires is a sign of the ongoing impact of climate change.
