South Korea Wildfires Kill 24, Destroy Gounsa Temple

Recent wildfires in South Korea, triggered by a visitor's mishap while paying respects at a grave, have led to devastating consequences, including at least 24 fatalities and the destruction of thousands of hectares of land. The fires have particularly impacted Uiseong County, where the historic Gounsa Temple was severely damaged, although its central Buddha statue survived. As firefighters battle the relentless flames exacerbated by dry, windy conditions, over 27,000 residents have been evacuated, leaving many homeless and in makeshift shelters. The crisis has prompted government officials to elevate the alert level and deploy thousands of personnel and helicopters for firefighting efforts. Cultural heritage sites are at risk, raising concerns about the preservation of South Korea's historical landmarks amidst this unprecedented disaster. The emotional toll on affected families is profound, with stories of loss and despair emerging from the evacuation centers.