Wildfires that have raged across South Korea since last Friday have resulted in at least 28 fatalities, numerous injuries, and the destruction of approximately 48,000 hectares (118,000 acres) of forest, Al Jazeera reports, citing news agency Yonhap.
Favorable weather conditions, including improved visibility and cooler temperatures following rainfall on Thursday night, have aided firefighting efforts.
The fires, which originated in central Uiseong county and spread to coastal regions due to strong winds, had forced the evacuation of approximately 38,000 residents, according to the government’s disaster response agency.
Officials attribute the intensity of the wildfires to dry winds and a prolonged drought. Wildfires are a recurring issue in South Korea during dry seasons.
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