South Korea Wildfires Kill 27, Become Largest Ever Recorded

South Korea is grappling with its largest and deadliest wildfires on record, with the death toll reaching 27 and over 37,000 people forced to evacuate. The fires, which have consumed more than 35,000 hectares, are attributed to a combination of dry weather and changing wind patterns, undermining traditional firefighting efforts. The acting president, Han Duck-soo, described the situation as unprecedented and emphasized the critical need for national response to the rapidly spreading flames, which have also destroyed historical sites. Many victims are elderly residents, raising concerns about their safety and health during this crisis. Firefighting efforts have been hampered by ongoing severe conditions, with only slight rain expected to provide limited relief. The scale of the destruction exceeds previous records, highlighting the growing threat of wildfires in the region.