South Korea Battles Deadliest Wildfires in Its History as Death Toll Rises to 27

Over 37,000 people have been displaced and 35,810 hectares burned, with UNESCO sites under threat and rainfall later today offering potential relief.

The wildfires, which began March 22-23, have claimed 27 lives, injured dozens, and forced the evacuation of over 37,000 people.
Spanning 35,810 hectares, the fires are the most destructive in South Korea's history, surpassing the damage of the 2000 wildfires.
Strong winds and severe drought conditions, with affected areas receiving half their average seasonal rainfall, continue to hinder containment efforts.
Two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Hahoe and Byeongsan Seowon, remain at risk as firefighters deploy water and fire retardants to protect them.
Thousands of firefighters and soldiers, along with U.S. military helicopter support, are engaged in the response, with expected rainfall later today potentially aiding containment.