South Korea Battles Wildfires, Four Killed, Thousands Evacuated

South Korea is currently facing a significant wildfire crisis in its southeastern region, with numerous fires igniting over the weekend, resulting in four fatalities and the evacuation of thousands. The fires began in Sancheong County and quickly spread to neighboring areas including Euiseong and Ulju, with strong, dry winds complicating firefighting efforts. Nearly 9,000 personnel and 120 helicopters have been deployed to combat the blazes, which have burned thousands of hectares of land. In response, the government declared a state of emergency in affected regions and is providing financial support for recovery efforts. Acting President Choi Sang-mok has directed that additional disaster zones be considered to aid response measures. The ongoing dry conditions in the region have heightened the risk of wildfires, a common occurrence during this time of year in South Korea.