At least 24 people have been killed as multiple wildfires continue to ravage South Korea's south-east region, BBC reported.

As per authorities, the majority of the deaths are in their 60s and 70s, and 26 people have been injured, with 12 in serious condition, as the terrible flames drove over 23,000 people to flee their homes. 

Acting President Han Duck-soo stated that the "unprecedented" issue is still severe and is "rewriting the record books for the worst wildfires in our nation's history".

The fires destroyed the 1,300-year-old Gounsa temple in Uiseong city, and many cultural items were removed and relocated to safer land,according to BBC.

The flames began in Sancheong county on Friday afternoon and then spread to Uiseong county, according to authorities.