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Key Points

Devastating floods and landslides have struck South Korea, claiming 17 lives and leaving 11 people missing. The southern county of Sancheong bore the brunt of the catastrophe, receiving nearly 800 mm of rain in just four days. Thousands have been evacuated, with significant damage to infrastructure and private property. President Lee Jae Myung has called for immediate support and special disaster zone designations.

Key Points: South Korea Floods Devastate Sancheong 17 Dead 11 Missing

  • Sancheong county suffered most with 10 deaths and 4 missing
  • Accumulated rainfall reached 793.5 mm in worst-hit regions
  • 13,492 people evacuated across 15 provinces
  • 1,999 cases of infrastructure damage reported
2 min read

South Korea: 17 killed, 11 missing in heavy rains, landslides

Deadly landslides and torrential rains wreak havoc across South Korea, causing massive destruction and displacing thousands

"We must swiftly designate disaster-hit areas for support - Lee Jae Myung, South Korean President"

Seoul, July 20

Seventeen people have been killed and 11 have gone missing in the heavy rains and landslides that began across South Korea four days ago, the government said Sunday.

The data from the interior ministry and the National Fire Agency, as of 6 pm Sunday, also showed that a large portion of the toll -- 10 dead and four missing -- occurred in the southern county of Sancheong.

The other deaths occurred in Osan and Gapyeong in Gyeonggi Province; Seosan, South Chungcheong Province; Dangjin, South Chungcheong; and the southwestern city of Gwangju.

Firefighting officials said rescue work was still underway in Sancheong, which could lead to a change in the toll.

Torrential rains have slammed the nation since Wednesday, with Sancheong receiving an accumulated 793.5 millimetres of rain as of 5 p.m. Sunday. The adjacent county of Hapcheon has received 699 mm, while the nearby county of Hadong has received 621.5 mm.

On a daily basis, Gapyeong, 55 kilometres northeast of Seoul, received an accumulated 197.5 mm of rain, the most for Sunday.

Authorities have registered 1,999 cases of flooded roads, soil loss and destroyed public facilities, and 2,238 other cases of damage to private property, such as buildings and farmland.

A total of 13,492 people have taken shelter across 15 major cities and provinces. A total of 62 flights were cancelled.

Authorities expected showers to fall late Sunday in some areas of Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungcheong and North Gyeongsang provinces but lifted the highest stage of its emergency response system as of 6 pm.

Earlier in the day, the South Korean President, Lee Jae Myung, instructed the government to find ways to swiftly designate areas hit hard by recent heavy rains as special disaster zones, according to his spokesperson.

Special disaster zones are entitled to government support for damage recovery and victims' relief.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Nearly 800mm rain in 4 days is unimaginable! Our cities would collapse with half that amount. Shows how important infrastructure planning is. Thoughts with the affected families.
A
Aman W
The government's quick response to designate special disaster zones is commendable. Wish our states would act this fast during calamities. Learning opportunity for Indian disaster management.
S
Sarah B
As someone who lived in Seoul for 2 years, I know how devastating this is. The mountainous terrain makes landslides especially dangerous. Hope rescue operations find the missing people soon.
V
Vikram M
While tragic, I wonder if better early warning systems could have saved more lives. India has improved its disaster alerts - maybe we can share our IMD tech with South Korea?
N
Nisha Z
The farmland damage will have long-term effects. As farmers ourselves, we know how hard it is to recover. Hope the special disaster zone status brings real relief to affected families.
K
Karan T
Respectfully, the article could have included more about prevention measures. Deforestation and urban planning play big roles in such disasters. Prevention is as important as relief efforts.

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