Damage Mounts in South Korea as Torrential Rains Enter Fourth Day
South Korea is grappling with worsening devastation as torrential rains continue for a fourth consecutive day, triggering widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructural damage across several regions. The relentless downpours, which began earlier this week, have paralyzed daily life and prompted urgent rescue operations as rising waters engulf homes, roads, and farmland.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), parts of central and southern South Korea have recorded more than 400 millimeters of rainfall since Monday, with no immediate sign of relief. The southern provinces of North Gyeongsang, North Jeolla, and South Chungcheong have been particularly hard-hit. Emergency alerts have been issued for multiple districts, and authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate to higher ground.
The Interior Ministry confirmed that at least 26 people have died as a result of flooding, landslides, or accidents caused by collapsing structures. Dozens more remain missing, and the number is expected to rise as search efforts continue in hard-to-reach regions. One of the most tragic incidents occurred in the city of Nonsan, where an entire hillside gave way, burying several homes and leaving a trail of destruction.
Public infrastructure has been severely impacted. Roads have been washed out, railway services suspended, and several bridges have collapsed or been declared unsafe. The high-speed KTX train service was temporarily halted in many areas due to track damage and safety concerns. Power outages have affected thousands of households, and emergency workers are struggling to reach remote areas due to blocked access routes.
South Korea’s military has been mobilized to assist in disaster relief, deploying helicopters, boats, and personnel to aid in evacuations and search-and-rescue efforts. Local governments have opened temporary shelters in schools and public facilities, providing food, water, and medical assistance to displaced families.
President Yoon Suk Yeol, currently on a diplomatic trip, has ordered an all-out response and urged his cabinet to prioritize the protection of lives and property. In a televised statement, he said, “We must act swiftly to prevent further casualties and support affected communities with every available resource.” He also emphasized the importance of long-term strategies to combat increasingly frequent and severe climate-related disasters.
Experts attribute the intensity of the rainfall to the effects of climate change, noting that South Korea has seen a rise in extreme weather events in recent years. The government has faced growing criticism for inadequate flood prevention infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where drainage systems and emergency planning are underdeveloped.
Meanwhile, meteorologists warn that the heavy rains may persist through the weekend, with the possibility of additional typhoons forming in the region. Flash flood and landslide warnings remain in effect, and the public has been advised to stay alert and follow government instructions.