At least 24 people have died as multiple forest fires continue to ravage the southeastern part of South Korea.
Authorities said most of the victims were in their 60s and 70s and around 23.000 people were injured, 12 of them in critical condition, as deadly wildfires forced more than 26 people to flee their homes.
Interim president Han Duck-soo said the "unprecedented" crisis remained critical and "rewrote the record books for the worst wildfires in our country's history."
The fires also destroyed the 1.300-year-old Gounsa temple in the city of Uiseong, where many cultural relics were removed and moved to a safer location.
Authorities said the fires started in Sancheong County on Friday afternoon and later spread to Uiseong County.
The fires, fuelled by strong, dry winds, are advancing towards neighbouring Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang and Yeongdeok counties, Yonhap news agency reported.
A firefighting helicopter crashed in the mountains of Uiseong County just after noon on Wednesday and they are investigating the cause, according to authorities.
Thousands of firefighters and approximately 5.000 military personnel were deployed to control the numerous fires, along with helicopters from the U.S. military stationed in Korea.
