Seoul: South Korea is grappling with a severe natural disaster after days of relentless rainfall triggered catastrophic landslides, flash floods, and large-scale evacuations across several regions. The death toll from the extreme weather has risen to 14, with at least 12 people reported missing as authorities continue rescue operations in some of the worst-affected areas. The torrential downpour, which began on Wednesday and intensified over the weekend, has caused widespread disruption and forced thousands to flee their homes.
According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the heaviest rainfalls were concentrated in the southern regions initially, before gradually moving northward. In Sancheong, one of the hardest-hit counties in the South Gyeongsang Province, over 600 millimeters of rain were recorded, resulting in landslides that buried homes and roads. At least eight people died in Sancheong alone, while six remain missing. Emergency teams are working around the clock to locate survivors and recover the bodies of those believed to be trapped under debris.
The situation grew more tragic in the scenic town of Gapyeong, northeast of Seoul, where a powerful landslide engulfed several houses and swept away vehicles. Two deaths have been confirmed in Gapyeong, while rescue workers continue to search for two more individuals who remain unaccounted for. Meanwhile, in the city of Osan, a retaining wall collapsed due to rain-saturated ground, killing one person. Elsewhere, three people lost their lives when their vehicle was swept away by rising floodwaters.
The severity of the rains prompted the evacuation of approximately 3,840 residents from vulnerable areas, as floodwaters inundated homes and rendered roads impassable. Temporary shelters have been established across several provinces, with government officials urging residents to remain on high alert. Many of those evacuated are facing significant material loss, as mudslides and water damage have destroyed houses, farmlands, and public infrastructure.
While the Korea Meteorological Administration has forecast a gradual decline in rainfall starting Sunday evening, the aftermath of the disaster is expected to linger. Authorities have cautioned that the transition to intense heat, which is expected in the coming days, may exacerbate challenges for displaced residents and complicate rescue efforts. Roads damaged by flooding are now at risk of buckling under extreme temperatures, and stagnant water pools pose a threat of waterborne disease outbreaks.
The government has vowed to provide urgent support to affected communities. President Yoon Suk-yeol, currently monitoring the situation closely, has instructed emergency teams to prioritize rescue missions and ensure that all available resources are directed toward relief and recovery. This year’s monsoon has once again highlighted South Korea’s vulnerability to climate-intensified weather events, with experts warning that such extreme rainfalls may become more frequent due to global climate change.
As rescue operations continue and the nation assesses the scale of destruction, many are left mourning the lives lost and wondering how such devastation can be prevented in the future. The disaster has also raised pressing questions about urban planning and infrastructure resilience in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
Source: News Agencies