Heavy downpours trigger floods, landslides, and widespread destruction across the nation. South Korea has been grappling with a devastating deluge of heavy rains since July 9, plunging the country into chaos and resulting in widespread destruction. The torrential downpours have claimed the lives of at least 31 people, with an additional 10 individuals still reported as missing. As rescue efforts continue, authorities fear that the death toll may rise further as the scale of the damage becomes more apparent. The region most severely affected by the calamitous weather conditions is North Gyeongsang, where 16 fatalities have been reported.
Landslides and housing collapses have been the primary causes of death in this province. South Chungcheong province has also been hit hard, with four reported deaths. Unfortunately, authorities have issued a stark warning, stating that casualties are expected to increase as they assess the extent of the damage across the entire nation. The heavy rainfall has led to a series of devastating consequences, including widespread flooding and landslides. In total, 59 cases of damage to public property have been reported, with 18 incidents involving destroyed or washed-away roads.
Private property has not been spared either, as 80 cases of damage have been recorded. In addition to the loss of life and destruction, over 7,500 people have been forced to evacuate their homes in a bid to seek safety. The severe weather conditions have also wreaked havoc on the country’s infrastructure. Over 27,260 households have been left without electricity, highlighting the scale of the power outages faced by affected communities. Notably, 8,300 households in Mungyeong, Yeongju, and Yecheon in North Gyeongsang Province continue to endure the hardships of living without power.
The South Korean government, led by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, has mobilized all available resources to respond to the disaster. Efforts are currently focused on search and rescue operations, with authorities stressing the need to locate any additional individuals who may still be trapped or missing. As the relentless rain continues to batter the country, the situation remains critical. The country’s weather agency has forecasted that certain regions will continue to experience heavy rainfall in the coming days. With the devastating effects of the floods and landslides still being assessed, it is clear that South Korea faces a long and arduous road to recovery from this natural disaster.