At least 18 dead and ancient temple destroyed as South Korea hit by worst wildfires in history
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18 dead, thousands evacuated as wildfires ravage South Korea
- Wildfires in South Korea have killed at least 18 people and injured 20 more.
- More than 27,000 people have been evacuated from Andong, Uiseong, Sancheong and Ulsan, and hundreds of structures, including a 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple, have been destroyed.
- Strong winds and dry conditions have hampered firefighting efforts, despite the deployment of more than 9,000 personnel.
- A firefighting helicopter crashed while battling the flames, which have burned through 17,400 hectares (43,000 acres).
- The fires, believed to be caused by human activity, highlight the increasing risk of large-scale wildfires due to climate change.