DAMAGE MOUNTS IN SOUTH KOREA AS TORRENTIAL RAINS ENTER FOURTH DAY
South Korea is grappling with worsening devastation as relentless torrential rains continue for a fourth consecutive day, triggering widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage across the country. The intense downpours, concentrated in the central and southern regions, have already left dozens dead, many missing, and thousands displaced, prompting government agencies to issue red alerts and mobilize emergency response teams nationwide.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety confirmed that as of the fourth day, over 45 people have been killed due to floodwaters, collapsed homes, and mudslides. Dozens more remain missing, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams struggle to access remote areas. Nearly 10,000 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes, while thousands more are living without electricity or clean water.
Some of the worst damage has been reported in North Gyeongsang Province, where heavy rains have saturated hillsides, triggering multiple landslides that swept away houses, roads, and vehicles. In one tragic incident, an underpass in the city of Cheongju was flooded so rapidly that multiple cars became submerged, resulting in several drownings. Rescue divers are still working to recover bodies and search for survivors.
Major highways and railway lines have been shut down due to washouts and water damage. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) reported that more than 500 millimeters of rain have fallen in several regions, exceeding monthly averages within a few days. The KMA has issued ongoing warnings for more rainfall, with forecasts suggesting an additional 100 to 200 millimeters could fall in the coming 48 hours.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was attending a summit in Europe, returned early to oversee emergency response efforts. He convened a national disaster response meeting and called for “all possible resources” to be directed toward search, rescue, and recovery operations. President Yoon emphasized the need to improve early-warning systems and reassess the country’s infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events that are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
Local governments have set up emergency shelters in schools and community centers, offering temporary housing, food, and medical care to evacuees. However, rescue operations have been hampered by continuous rain, damaged communication lines, and unstable terrain. Military and firefighting units have been deployed to assist in evacuation and relief distribution.
Environmental experts are warning that the scale and frequency of such extreme weather events are indicative of worsening climate patterns in East Asia. South Korea, like many nations, is experiencing stronger monsoons, rising temperatures, and unpredictable weather systems. This summer’s rains follow a trend of intensifying natural disasters in the region.
As the country braces for further rainfall, the government has urged residents in flood-prone or mountainous areas to evacuate early and follow official updates. The full extent of the damage will likely become clear only once the rains subside, but already, the toll on lives, property, and public infrastructure is severe. South Korea now faces the dual challenge of rescue and long-term rebuilding, as it confronts the growing threat of climate-induced disasters.