In South Korea, 24 people died as a result of forest fires

At least 24 people have become victims of forest fires that have engulfed the southeastern part of South Korea. This was reported by the Yonhap news agency on March 26.

"Dozens of fire fighting helicopters, about 5,000 personnel and about 560 pieces of equipment were mobilized," the material says.

According to the newspaper, strong winds and dry weather are hindering the extinguishing of forest fires. At the moment, the fire has destroyed 17 thousand hectares of forest and 209 houses. In addition, as a result of the fire, the ancient Kounsa temple complex, built in 681, was destroyed.

Also, the acting president of South Korea, Han Dok-soo, called the forest fires "the worst" in the country's history.

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Earlier that day, a helicopter crashed while extinguishing a fire in South Korea's Yeong County. It is specified that the helicopter crashed on a mountain about 180 km southeast of Seoul.

At the same time, it was reported that 19 people were injured and one was missing as a result of forest fires. Also, more than 27 thousand people were evacuated. At the same time, most of the victims were elderly people over 60 years old.