Severe Flooding in South Korea Claims 14 Lives, 12 Missing
Heavy rains in South Korea have resulted in 14 confirmed fatalities and left 12 individuals unaccounted for, as nearly 13,000 residents evacuate due to landslides and extensive infrastructure damage. The torrential downpours began on Wednesday and have since exacerbated flooding across various regions, spurring a state of emergency, reports 24brussels.
According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the National Fire Agency, Sancheong county has reported the most significant impact, accounting for six deaths and seven of the missing. Emergency responders are actively engaged in search and rescue operations, with 58 individuals rescued in Sancheong alone. Authorities have indicated that the casualty figures may rise as conditions evolve.
Additional fatalities were recorded in Osan, Gyeonggi Province, and in the cities of Seosan and Dangjin in South Chungcheong Province. Reports indicate that two more individuals are missing in Gwangju, further stressing the extent of the crisis.
Rainfall in the affected areas has reached alarming levels, with Sancheong experiencing 793.5 millimeters (31.2 inches) of rain. Neighboring regions, such as Hapcheon and Hadong, reported 699 mm and 621.5 mm of rain, respectively, showcasing the severity of the monsoon.
In response to the disaster, authorities have addressed 1,920 instances of public infrastructure damage, including washed-out roads and compromised drainage systems. Additionally, they have recorded 2,234 reports of damage to private properties, reflecting the disaster’s profound impact on residences, local businesses, and agricultural land.
As of Sunday, approximately 12,921 individuals have been relocated to temporary shelters across 14 major cities and provinces, demonstrating the serious implications of these extreme weather events. The ongoing forecast of additional rainfall has heightened concerns among officials regarding further risks to life and safety.
This series of severe weather events highlights the broader challenges faced by communities in Asia during the current monsoon season, linked to intensified climate variations and increasing vulnerability.
South Korean authorities remain vigilant, and emergency services are continuing search and recovery operations despite challenging conditions. Efforts are being amplified to mitigate risks and avert additional loss of life as further rains are anticipated.
