A significant five-day deluge in South Korea has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 18 lives, with nine individuals still unaccounted for, as reported by local authorities. In response to this unprecedented weather event, the South Korean government has lifted heavy rain advisories while simultaneously planning for anticipated heatwaves affecting the southern regions of the country.
The torrential rains began on July 16, unleashing some of the most intense hourly rainfall recorded in several central and southern provinces of South Korea. This natural disaster led to widespread destruction, including collapsed homes, landslides, and flash floods that uprooted vehicles and inundated campsites. The southern county of Sancheong saw the most significant devastation, where 10 fatalities occurred, and four people remain missing, according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
In the town of Gapyeong, northeast of Seoul, the situation was similarly dire, with one individual perishing due to a house collapse, while another person was found dead after being swept away by rapidly flowing water while camping. Among those missing are a man’s wife and teenage son, further highlighting the human impact of this catastrophic weather event. Additionally, two individuals, including a man in his 70s trapped in a landslide, are also reported missing in the same area.
The floods forced the evacuation of approximately 14,166 residents across 15 cities and provinces, causing extensive damage to property. Reports indicate nearly 1,999 instances of damage to public facilities and at least 2,238 cases involving private homes and buildings.
In aid of recovery efforts, South Korea’s military is dispatching around 2,500 personnel to devastated areas, including the southwestern city of Gwangju and parts of South Chungcheong and South Gyeongsang provinces. These troops will play a crucial role in restoring homes and stores affected by the flooding.
Hannah June Kim, an associate professor in the Graduate School of International Studies at Sogang University in Seoul, emphasized the element of surprise associated with this year’s monsoonal rains, which arrived later than typical. According to Kim, this exceptional weather underscores the increasing impact of climate change on regional climates across the globe.
The South Korean Meteorological Administration has forecasted additional rainfall for the southern regions but warns that a heatwave will follow. With temperatures expected to rise significantly from July 24 onwards, residents may face challenging conditions going forward.
Experts note that climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of extreme weather events worldwide. Last year, South Korea experienced similarly unprecedented rains, resulting in the loss of at least 11 lives. The government attributed these extreme weather conditions to the broader implications of climate change, reflecting a global conversation about environmental challenges and their consequences.
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