Seoul: Intense monsoon rains have caused severe floods and landslides in South Korea, claiming at least 14 lives and leaving eight people missing. The worst-hit area is Sancheong county in the south, which has seen almost 800 millimeters of rain so far.
In Gapyeong county, about 70 kilometers east of Seoul, nearly 170 millimeters of rain fell, causing landslides that buried houses and floods that swept away vehicles. Northern areas, including parts of Gyeonggi province, have also been badly affected, with rescue teams searching for those missing.
The heavy downpours, which began midweek, have caused widespread disruption and pose ongoing risks of additional landslides due to the saturated soil. While monsoon rains are normal for South Korea each July, meteorologists say this year’s storms have brought some of the heaviest hourly rainfall ever recorded.
Authorities expect the rain to ease but warn that a severe heatwave could follow, adding further pressure to already affected communities. Scientists link the growing frequency and severity of such extreme weather events to climate change.
Emergency shelters have been set up for people forced to leave their homes due to floods or structural damage. Local officials have urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid riversides and slopes, and cooperate with search and rescue teams as recovery operations continue.
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