At least 24 people have died as wind-driven wildfires swept through South Korea’s southern regions, forcing thousands to flee and destroying over 200 structures, officials said on Wednesday.
The fires, among the country's worst in history, have scorched more than 43,000 acres, including Gounsa, a historic Buddhist temple. Two state-designated treasures were lost, but a stone Buddha statue from the 8th century was safely evacuated.
Authorities suspect human error may have sparked some fires.
