Asia News Summary: At Least 27 Dead in South Korean Wildfires, and Additional Updates
Here are some stories from across Asia that you might have overlooked this week.
TroibNews 
Here are some key stories from Asia that you might have missed this week.
Wildfires in South Korea: 27 Lives Lost and Historic Temples Damaged
In South Korea, wildfires have claimed the lives of at least 27 individuals and destroyed historic temples over the past week. Coverage of the fires intensified on Thursday, with authorities describing the situation as the worst natural fire disaster in the country’s history.
So far, more than 33,000 hectares have been either scorched or are still ablaze as the largest fires originated in central Uiseong county, setting the record for the biggest single forest fire in South Korea. The previous record stood at 24,000 hectares, recorded in March 2000.
China Sends New Data Relay Satellite into Orbit
On Wednesday, China successfully launched its Tianlian II-04 data relay satellite into orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center located in Sichuan Province.
This second-generation satellite, which is positioned in geosynchronous orbit, will offer data relay and telemetry, tracking, and command services for crewed spacecraft, including space stations and spaceships.
Eruption of Indonesian Volcano Triggers Evacuations
The Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano in Indonesia erupted on Friday, sending ash clouds soaring to heights exceeding 8 kilometers. In response, authorities elevated the alert status to the highest level, leading an Australian airline to cancel flights bound for Bali.
A spokesperson for the disaster mitigation agency reported to Reuters that one person sustained injuries during the evacuation process. Indonesia, which is home to nearly 130 active volcanoes, lies within the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an area known for its significant seismic activity across various tectonic plates.
Thai Prime Minister Overcomes No-Confidence Vote
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra successfully navigated a no-confidence vote in parliament on Wednesday, marking her first major challenge as the country's leader and demonstrating the stability of her coalition government.
Despite facing sharp criticism during the censure debate, wherein she was accused of being unfit for office, catering to her affluent family, and following directions from her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the youngest prime minister in Thailand's history garnered the support of 319 out of 488 lawmakers present.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
Wildfires in South Korea: 27 Lives Lost and Historic Temples Damaged
In South Korea, wildfires have claimed the lives of at least 27 individuals and destroyed historic temples over the past week. Coverage of the fires intensified on Thursday, with authorities describing the situation as the worst natural fire disaster in the country’s history.
So far, more than 33,000 hectares have been either scorched or are still ablaze as the largest fires originated in central Uiseong county, setting the record for the biggest single forest fire in South Korea. The previous record stood at 24,000 hectares, recorded in March 2000.
China Sends New Data Relay Satellite into Orbit
On Wednesday, China successfully launched its Tianlian II-04 data relay satellite into orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center located in Sichuan Province.
This second-generation satellite, which is positioned in geosynchronous orbit, will offer data relay and telemetry, tracking, and command services for crewed spacecraft, including space stations and spaceships.
Eruption of Indonesian Volcano Triggers Evacuations
The Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano in Indonesia erupted on Friday, sending ash clouds soaring to heights exceeding 8 kilometers. In response, authorities elevated the alert status to the highest level, leading an Australian airline to cancel flights bound for Bali.
A spokesperson for the disaster mitigation agency reported to Reuters that one person sustained injuries during the evacuation process. Indonesia, which is home to nearly 130 active volcanoes, lies within the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an area known for its significant seismic activity across various tectonic plates.
Thai Prime Minister Overcomes No-Confidence Vote
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra successfully navigated a no-confidence vote in parliament on Wednesday, marking her first major challenge as the country's leader and demonstrating the stability of her coalition government.
Despite facing sharp criticism during the censure debate, wherein she was accused of being unfit for office, catering to her affluent family, and following directions from her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the youngest prime minister in Thailand's history garnered the support of 319 out of 488 lawmakers present.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
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