South Korea Wildfires Claim 25 Lives, Displace 30,000 Residents

The fires, fueled by drought and strong winds, have destroyed over 40,000 hectares and cultural landmarks, with emergency responses hampered by logistical challenges.

• The death toll from South Korea's wildfires has risen to at least 25, including a firefighting helicopter pilot killed in a crash during operations in Uiseong.
• The fires, which began on March 21 in Sancheong County, have burned over 40,000 hectares, making them the third-largest in the country's history.
• Cultural landmarks, including the thousand-year-old Gounsa Temple, have been destroyed, while the UNESCO-listed Hahoe Village remains under threat.
• Approximately 30,000 residents have been evacuated, with emergency shelters set up as the government declared a state of emergency in four counties.
• Over 6,700 firefighters and 140 helicopters are battling the fires, but strong winds, dry conditions, and equipment challenges have hindered containment efforts; rain is expected on March 27, offering potential relief.

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