Heavy rainfall in South Korea has resulted in devastating floods and landslides, claiming at least 14 lives and leaving 12 people missing. The nation’s southern regions were hit particularly hard, with some areas experiencing the heaviest hourly rainfall on record. The resort town of Gapyeong suffered significant damage, with homes buried and vehicles swept away.
The death toll rose to 14 after two people died and four went missing in Gapyeong on Sunday. A woman in her 70s was killed when her house collapsed in the landslide, while the body of a man in his 40s was found near a bridge after he drowned.
Most of the deaths occurred in the southern county of Sancheong, which has seen nearly 800mm of rain since Wednesday. Two bodies were found there early on Sunday during search and rescue operations, raising the number of deaths in the rural county to eight, with six still missing.
The heavy rainfall has caused extensive damage, with 1,920 cases of flooded roads, soil loss, and destroyed public facilities reported. Additionally, 2,234 cases of damage to private property, such as buildings and farmland, have been registered. A total of 12,921 people have taken shelter across 14 major cities and provinces. Thousands of roads and buildings have been damaged and submerged by raging floodwaters, with reports of damage to farmland and widespread death of livestock.
Scientists say climate change has made extreme weather events more frequent and intense around the world. South Korea typically experiences monsoon rains in July, but this week’s downpours have been particularly intense. The country’s southern regions were hit by especially heavy rainfall, with some areas experiencing the heaviest hourly rainfall on record. In 2022, South Korea endured record-breaking rains and flooding, which killed at least 11 people.
The government has launched a multi-agency recovery effort, with emergency crews working around the clock to search for the missing and deliver aid to affected communities. Temporary shelters are being set up to accommodate displaced families, and volunteers and aid workers are distributing blankets and food to those in need.
As the country begins the long road to recovery, the resilience of its people is evident. However, the pain and loss caused by the disaster will take time to heal. Local governments are beginning assessments for financial support, but many worry it won’t be enough to rebuild lives and livelihoods. “We’re alive, and for that, we are grateful,” said Kim Hye-sook, a 72-year-old resident who lost her home. “But we’re also grieving. Not just for what we’ve lost, but for those who didn’t survive”.