At least 18 people have died in South Korea following days of torrential rainfall that triggered severe flooding and landslides across multiple regions, according to the country’s Ministry of Interior.
Authorities reported on Monday that the intensity of the heavy rain had begun to ease after several days of relentless downpours. However, as of Sunday, nine people remained missing, and hundreds of residents in the most affected areas have been left in shock.
One of the hardest-hit regions was Gapyeong, located about 62 kilometers northeast of Seoul, where residents narrowly escaped rising floodwaters.
The town received a staggering 173 millimeters of rain in just 17 hours on Sunday—surpassing the previous daily rainfall record of 156.3 millimeters set in September 1998.
The Ministry said two people were confirmed dead and four were missing after landslides swept through homes in the Gapyeong area and floodwaters carried away several vehicles. In total, 1,999 public buildings and 2,238 private facilities, including farmlands, were damaged by the extreme weather.
With rainfall now subsiding, the Korea Meteorological Administration has issued a nationwide heatwave alert, warning of another dangerous weather pattern affecting the country.
President Lee Jae-myung has ordered an immediate and precise disaster response, according to spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung. The president emphasised the need for tailored prevention measures based on the specific vulnerabilities of each area.
Kang stated that if any negligence or serious disciplinary failures are found among officials, they will be held accountable.
President Lee, who took office in June, has pledged to strengthen the country's disaster preparedness and avoid repeating the consequences of previous natural crises, which have often been linked to government inaction.
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