Unusual rainfall triggers floods and landslides in south Korea, leaving at least 14 dead

Continuous heavy rainfall across various parts of South Korea has triggered severe natural disasters, including floods and landslides, leaving at least 14 people dead, according to disaster management authorities. An additional 12 people remain missing, and the death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue.

In Gapyeong, dramatic footage showed residents wading through muddy waters and crossing a damaged bridge as they made their way to designated evacuation centers. A landslide in the area on Sunday claimed two lives, while four others went missing. Authorities reported that 63 people were rescued and 285 were relocated from the affected zone.

In the southern region, particularly in Chungcheon Province, an entire village was destroyed by a landslide. In Sancheong, six people were confirmed dead, two of whom have already been recovered, while seven others remain unaccounted for.

Since the rainfall began on Wednesday, nearly 10,000 residents have been forced to flee their homes due to safety concerns. More than 41,000 households temporarily lost electricity, and over 3,800 people are still sheltering in emergency accommodation due to extensive damage to their homes.

Although rainfall has lessened in central and southern parts of the country, the meteorological agency has warned that more rain is expected in the capital, Seoul, and northern areas on Sunday.

In response, the South Korean government has launched large-scale recovery and emergency aid operations. President Lee Jae-myung called for the hardest-hit areas to be officially designated as disaster zones, allowing for quicker access to resources and support. Meanwhile, Minister of the Interior and Safety Yun Ho-jung urged all relevant agencies to use every means available to deliver swift and effective assistance.

The rain is forecasted to ease by Sunday night, but it will be followed by a week of intense heat, which could further strain the lives of affected communities and the country’s economy.