The death toll from the wildfires sweeping through south-eastern South Korea has risen to at least 20, with authorities fearing the numbers could continue to climb.
The official news agency Yonhap reported on Wednesday that 16 people had died in the south-east of the country since Tuesday afternoon alone, bringing the total toll to at least 20.
Over the weekend, four first responders had lost their lives while battling the fires.
According to Yonhap, around 5,000 firefighters and more than 140 helicopters are currently in action to combat the fires.
Authorities have declared at least four counties in the region disaster zones.
The fires, which began on Friday in Sancheong County, about 250 kilometres south-east of Seoul, have caused significant destruction. Several historical sites have been destroyed.
The historic Hahoe village, which UNESCO declared a World Heritage site in 2010, is also threatened by the flames. Authorities have ordered evacuations to protect residents.
The fires have been fuelled by dry winds and a prolonged drought, according to officials.
Wildfires are not uncommon in South Korea during dry spells. In recent years, both average temperatures and extreme weather events have increased in the country, significantly increasing the risk and severity of fires. Experts view the increase in wildfires as a sign of the ongoing effects of climate change.
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