Authorities in South Korea are grappling with the aftermath of severe landslides and floods that have claimed at least 18 lives, following a deluge of torrential rain that has battered the southern and western regions since last Wednesday. Rescuers are actively searching for nine individuals who remain unaccounted for as the situation develops, with the government urging vigilance among flood-prone residents.
Rainfall in the affected areas has reached staggering levels, with some regions experiencing up to 31 inches of rain. Sancheong County was hit the hardest, reporting 10 fatalities and four persons unaccounted for, as nearly 12 inches fell alone on Saturday, prompting emergency advisories for all 33,000 residents. Distressing images and footage highlight the extent of the devastation — greenhouses submerged, vehicles overturned, and communities left reeling from water and power shortages, echoing the sentiments of distressed villagers.
In Gapyeong County, northeast of the capital, a tragic event unfolded when a family of four camping near a stream was caught off guard by the sudden flood and landslide. The son managed to survive, but the father was found deceased downstream, while search efforts continue for the mother and daughter.
The Ministry of Home Affairs reported an evacuation of approximately 14,000 residents, with homes and agricultural lands suffering severe damage. Alarmingly, nearly 1.5 million livestock, including a substantial number of chickens, perished due to the flooding.
President Lee Jae Myung pledged support by designating the hardest-hit areas as special disaster zones to facilitate tax exemptions and aid initiatives. While many evacuated villagers have begun returning home as weather conditions improve, they confront the daunting challenge of rebuilding. Soldiers are providing assistance in clearing debris and furniture from homes, while heavy equipment is being deployed to restore vital transportation routes.
As the heavy rain alert has been downgraded, weather forecasts indicate the possibility of further rain across central and northern regions, alongside advisories for an impending heatwave in the south. Authorities are actively working to mitigate health risks associated with flooding, implementing measures to curb disease outbreaks.
