Seoul — Heavy rainfall across South Korea has caused deadly landslides, severe flooding, and widespread disruption, prompting emergency evacuations and government alerts. At least two people have been confirmed dead while more than 1,000 residents were forced to evacuate from the hardest-hit regions, especially in South Chungcheong Province.

The downpours, which began on July 16, triggered landslides and inundated roads and buildings, particularly in the southern city of Gwangju. The Korea Meteorological Administration reported that several areas received over 400 millimeters of rain in just 48 hours, causing flash floods and blocking major transportation routes.

In South Chungcheong Province, initial fears of two individuals being trapped under a landslide prompted urgent rescue operations. According to local authorities, both individuals were later rescued safely. Nevertheless, the situation remains dangerous, with soil instability and continued rain heightening the risk of additional landslides.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has raised the alert level, while the Korea Forest Service issued its highest warning for landslide-prone regions. The Korea Meteorological Administration warned that more rain is expected through the night, which could further exacerbate flooding and slope failures.

Over 400 schools have been closed across the affected regions, and at least 166 instances of property damage have been reported. Emergency services are actively engaged in evacuating vulnerable populations and reinforcing embankments to prevent further damage.

The South Korean government has mobilized disaster response teams to provide shelter and food to evacuees while continuously monitoring weather developments. Citizens have been advised to avoid rivers, mountain paths, and low-lying areas and to follow evacuation orders without delay.

This latest spell of extreme weather underscores South Korea’s growing vulnerability to climate-related disasters. The nation has experienced increasingly intense monsoon seasons in recent years, with similar storms in 2023 claiming dozens of lives and causing millions in damage.

Authorities remain on high alert as the situation develops, with further updates expected from meteorological and emergency management officials in the coming hours.