Key Points

Heavy rains and landslides in South Korea have claimed 18 lives with nine still missing. Over 14,000 people have been displaced across 15 regions, with extensive property damage reported. The military has deployed 2,500 personnel to assist in recovery efforts. Weather warnings remain in effect as more rainfall is forecast for vulnerable areas.

Key Points: South Korea Heavy Rains Kill 18 with 9 Missing in Landslides

  • 18 fatalities reported across multiple regions including Sancheong and Gapyeong
  • Over 14,000 displaced as rains ravage 15 cities and provinces
  • Army deploys 2,500 personnel for recovery efforts in hardest-hit areas
  • Property damage exceeds 4,000 cases at public and private facilities
2 min read

South Korea: 18 killed, 9 missing after heavy rains, landslides

South Korea reports 18 dead and 9 missing after torrential rains trigger landslides, displacing over 14,000 people amid widespread property damage.

"The government has lifted all heavy rain advisories and lowered the warning level from 'serious' to 'attention.' – Yonhap News Agency"

Seoul, July 21

Eighteen people in South Korea have been killed and nine others remain unaccounted for following heavy rains and landslides that began ravaging the country last week, the government said on Monday.

The casualties as of 9 p.m. Sunday include 10 dead in the southern county of Sancheong, two in the northern county of Gapyeong and two in the western city of Seosan, according to the interior ministry.

Four of the missing were reported in Sancheong, while another four were reported in Gapyeong.

More than 14,000 people have taken shelter across 15 major cities and provinces since the heavy rains started last Wednesday.

Property damage has been extensive, with 1,999 cases reported at public facilities and 2,238 cases reported at private facilities as of 6 p.m. Sunday.

The state weather agency has forecast more rainfall through Monday morning in South Jeolla Province, South Gyeongsang Province and the southern island of Jeju.

North Jeolla Province and North Gyeongsang Province are expected to see rainfall starting at 9 a.m., while the capital area and the Gangwon and Chungcheong provinces are forecast to receive rain in the afternoon, Yonhap news agency reported.

The government has lifted all heavy rain advisories and, on Sunday, lowered the warning level from "serious" to "attention."

The South Korean Army has deployed some 2,500 military personnel and equipment to areas hit hard by the recent torrential rain to help recovery work, the armed services said on Monday.

A total of around 2,500 emergency personnel and 20 equipment have been deployed in the southwestern city of Gwangju, parts of the South Chungcheong Province and the South Gyeongsang Province since Thursday, according to the Army.

The heavy rains and landslides that began last week have killed 18 people and left nine others missing so far, displacing more than 14,000 people across 15 major cities and provinces.

The recovery efforts centred on overhauling houses and stores flooded from the rains, including removing soil and organising household items, the Army said, adding that it will continue to assist recovery efforts.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This shows how climate change is affecting all countries. Just last month we had similar situation in Assam. Governments need to invest more in disaster preparedness. Stay strong South Korea!
A
Arjun K
The property damage numbers are staggering - nearly 4,000 cases! Makes me wonder if their infrastructure was prepared for such extreme weather. Korea is a developed nation, but even they are struggling. Food for thought for our urban planners.
S
Sarah B
My heart goes out to the affected families. The number of displaced people (14,000!) is shocking. Hope international aid reaches them soon. India should offer help if needed - we have experience in flood relief operations.
V
Vikram M
The warning system seems efficient - from 'serious' to 'attention' level shows they're monitoring closely. But 18 lives lost is still too many. Maybe need better early evacuation protocols? Thoughts and prayers with our Korean friends 🙏
K
Kavya N
While tragic, I'm impressed by how quickly they mobilized 2,500 personnel for recovery. In India, we often see delays in such operations. There's lessons to learn here about disaster response efficiency.

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