Devastating Rains Swept Through the Country
A powerful monsoon system, active since July 16, has battered South Korea’s southern and central regions with some of the heaviest rainfall in recent memory. The downpour triggered landslides and floods, killing at least 17 people and leaving 11 missing, according to government reports.
Epicenter of Devastation: Sancheong and Gapyeong
- In Sancheong, a southern county, severe landslides and flash floods swept away homes and caused 10 confirmed deaths, with several others still unaccounted for.
- Gapyeong County, just northeast of Seoul, recorded two fatalities and five missing after a landslide engulfed campsites and residences, as torrential rain—nearly 170 mm in hours—pummeled the area.
Widespread Evacuations and Property Damage
- More than 13,000 residents across affected provinces have been evacuated, with approximately 2,730 people still unable to return home.
- Water levels inundated thousands of structures and roads, with over 641 buildings, 388 roads, and 59 farms reported damaged—livestock were even trapped in floodwaters.
Dramatic Rescue Efforts
Emergency services responded with urgency:
- In Gapyeong, rescuers used zip lines and helicopters to save stranded individuals at campsites.
- Firefighters, police, and military units are actively engaged in ongoing operations to assist isolated communities.
Government Declares Special Disaster Zones
President Lee Jae Myung convened an emergency meeting, directing immediate damage assessments. He approved declaring the hardest-hit areas as special disaster zones to unlock additional state aid and expedite rebuilding.
Rain Expected to End, Heatwave Looms
Korea’s meteorological agency forecasts the rain will subside by Sunday night, giving way to a heatwave with temperatures nearing the 90s °F in the coming days. Authorities continue to warn of lingering flood and landslide risks in mountainous and lowland regions.
What’s Ahead
- Ongoing search-and-rescue for missing victims.
- Infrastructure inspections and repairs for roads, dams, and retaining walls.
- Post-event review to strengthen early-warning systems and fortify climate resilience.
Final Word
This week’s torrential rains have claimed at least 17 lives, displaced thousands, and torn through communities across South Korea. As flooding gives way to searing heat, the nation’s focus turns to recovery—and preparing for increasingly erratic weather trends in a warming climate.
