India, March 26 -- A series of intense wildfires has ravaged southeastern South Korea, prompting a state of emergency and widespread evacuations. The most severely affected regions include Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province, Ulsan, and North Gyeongsang Province. In response to the escalating crisis, the Korea Forest Service issued its highest 'serious' wildfire warning nationwide on March 25.

As of 8:49 am on March 26, the blazes have tragically resulted in 18 fatalities and the destruction of over 200 structures, including the historically significant 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple, the 7th-century Gounsa Temple, along with numerous homes, factories, and vehicles. The fires have consumed an estimated 43,000 acres, injuring 19 people ...