At least 18 individuals have lost their lives in South Korea due to destructive landslides and flooding following torrential rainfall, prompting emergency responses across various affected regions.
Landslides and Floods Devastate South Korea, Claiming Lives and Causing Displacement
Landslides and Floods Devastate South Korea, Claiming Lives and Causing Displacement
Severe weather has led to tragic losses in South Korea, where flooding and landslides necessitate extensive rescue and rebuilding efforts.
At least 18 people have died and many more are missing in South Korea as relentless rains resulted in catastrophic landslides and flooding. The disaster struck earlier this week, as the government reported extensive loss of property, livestock, and infrastructure across the southern and western provinces of the country.
Since last Wednesday, some areas have received up to 31 inches of rain, with Sancheong County taking the brunt of the deluge, reporting the highest fatalities. There, 10 lives were lost and four individuals remain unaccounted for after nearly 12 inches of rain fell on Saturday alone, forcing authorities to warn all local residents of imminent floods and landslides.
In the aftermath, distressing images emerged showing flattened strawberry greenhouses and overturned vehicles, painting a bleak picture of the devastation. Displaced villagers, many of whom are elderly, sat hopelessly amidst debris and boulders that had washed into their yards, while complaints about power and water shortages have risen.
One tragic incident involved a camping family of four in Gapyeong County, where a sudden landslide and flood struck while they were at their tent. A young son was rescued, but his father was found deceased miles away, and efforts continue to locate his mother and sister.
The South Korean home ministry has confirmed that around 14,000 individuals have been evacuated due to the severity of the situation, impacting homes and farmland across an area equivalent to 40,000 soccer fields. Approximately 1.5 million livestock, including 1.4 million chickens, have perished due to these extreme weather conditions.
In light of the devastation, President Lee Jae Myung announced the designation of special disaster zones in the hardest-hit locales, which will allow for tax relief and other forms of government assistance.
As the rains began to ease and the sun made an appearance on Monday, many evacuated residents returned to their properties, only to confront the overwhelming task of rebuilding their lives. The South Korean army has been deployed to assist with debris removal and aid efforts, while weather officials maintain caution as forecasts predict further rain in central and northern regions, alongside warnings of a heat wave in the south.
