South Korea Declares National Disaster as Wildfires Claim Lives, Force Evacuations

South Korea declared a national disaster following widespread wildfires that have resulted in multiple fatalities and the evacuation of hundreds of residents. The declaration covers Ulsan, North Gyeongsang, and South Gyeongsang provinces. The fires, which began on Friday in Sancheong, have claimed at least four lives, including two firefighters, and injured six others. A severe fire warning has been issued for 12 regions, including Busan and Daejeon. Approximately 1,500 residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters as authorities continue efforts to contain the blazes. Strong winds are reportedly hindering firefighting efforts. Acting President Choi Sang-mok has urged maximum effort to extinguish the fires.