At least 18 people have perished and 19 others sustained injuries as wildfires tore through South Korea’s southern regions, fueled by dry weather and fierce winds, government officials reported Wednesday.

The fires, which erupted across Andong city and southeastern towns, have consumed over 43,000 acres of land, obliterating hundreds of structures, including a historic 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple.

Authorities in Andong, Uiseong, Sancheong, and Ulsan ordered mass evacuations on Tuesday as firefighters battled to contain the relentless blazes. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety confirmed that more than 5,500 residents fled their homes in these areas, where the fires burned most intensely.

Strong winds and arid conditions have hampered containment efforts, exacerbating the destruction.

The loss of lives and the temple, a cultural treasure, has deepened the tragedy’s impact. Emergency response teams continue to mobilize, but officials warn that the combination of weather and terrain poses ongoing challenges.

As South Korea grapples with this disaster, questions loom about preparedness and the increasing frequency of such extreme events amid climate shifts. For now, the focus remains on rescue and recovery in the ravaged south.