Death Toll Rises in South Korea's Worst Wildfires

TaiwanPlus News

South Korea is battling its worst wildfires in the country's history. The blaze has claimed at least 24 lives, including a firefighting helicopter pilot. Over 27,000 residents in the area have been displaced, and the country has raised the national crisis alert to the highest level.

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00:00Flames engulf South Korea's southern region as devastating wildfires continue to spread.

00:08More than 20 people have been killed and dozens more hurt, 12 in critical condition.

00:14With strong winds fueling the blaze, authorities are scrambling to contain the worst fires

00:19in the nation's history.

00:20The fires have displaced over 27,000 people, and around 500 inmates from a nearby prison

00:48were evacuated for safety.

00:51Thousands of emergency personnel and dozens of helicopters have been deployed to combat

00:55the blazes, but strong winds and dry conditions continue to hamper containment efforts.

01:01In the ongoing battle, a fire-fighting helicopter crashed, killing the pilot.

01:06The helicopter was completely blown up, and the color of its wings was not distinguished.

01:14Wildfires were once rare in South Korea, but have increased in frequency and intensity

01:19in recent years.

01:21Experts say climate change is one reason behind the destructive trend.

01:55and a more effective response system to address what they see as a growing threat.

02:02The wildfires are a critical leadership test for Prime Minister Han Deok-su.

02:06He was reinstated as acting president just two days ago, after a court overturned his

02:11suspension, part of impeached President Yun Suk-yo's ongoing martial law controversy.

02:17With flames continuing to spread, and tens of thousands driven from their homes, the

02:36country's Forest Service has raised the national crisis alert to its highest level.

02:42As South Korea grapples with its worst natural disaster in recent memory, its government

02:46and people are struggling to stem the blazing tide.

02:50Luffy Lee and Chelsea Wu for Taiwan Plus.

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