Torrential downpours have devastated parts of South Korea for the fourth straight day, leaving four people dead, two missing, and forcing thousands from their homes, authorities said on Saturday, July 18.
The relentless rainfall, which began midweek, has overwhelmed communities across the country, with the central and southern regions worst affected. The Ministry of Interior reported that over 7,000 residents have been evacuated since the flooding began, with more than 2,800 still unable to return to their homes.
In Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, located just south of Seoul, rainfall exceeded 500mm (nearly 20 inches), marking a new record for the region. Weather authorities warn that up to 250mm more could fall before the end of the weekend, as heavy rain is expected to continue through Monday.
The fatalities include a man who suffered cardiac arrest while trapped in a flooded vehicle and later died in hospital. In a separate incident, an elderly man in his 80s was discovered dead in the submerged basement of his home. A third victim was killed when a retaining wall collapsed onto a moving car, and another was found dead in a local stream. Two others remain missing in the southwestern city of Gwangju.
“This level of rainfall in such a short time is unprecedented,” said an official from the Korea Meteorological Administration. “We are urging the public to stay indoors and avoid low-lying areas due to the high risk of landslides and flash floods.”
The agricultural sector has also been severely hit. In Chungcheong Province, videos and images show cows struggling to stay afloat as floodwaters submerged livestock sheds and farmlands. “We’ve never seen anything like this,” said Kim Ji-hoon, a farmer in Yesan. “Our animals are suffering, and we don’t know how long we can hold on.”
According to Yonhap News Agency, the torrential rains have caused 729 cases of damage to public infrastructure, including washed-out roads, damaged riverbanks, and collapsed drainage systems. Over 1,000 private properties have also been affected, with at least 64 buildings flooded and 59 farmlands underwater.
The government has mobilised emergency services and disaster response teams, but conditions have made access to some rural areas nearly impossible. Evacuation centres are now sheltering thousands, and relief supplies are being distributed by air where roads have become impassable.
The crisis has prompted comparisons to previous natural disasters. In July 2024, similar heavy rains led to four deaths and paralysed transportation in southern regions. This year’s deluge, however, has been more widespread and intense, with some regions experiencing 40% of their annual rainfall in just four days.
Meteorologists have warned that North Korea may also be impacted by the same weather system, raising regional concerns over possible cross-border river flooding.
As the nation braces for more rain, officials stress the importance of remaining vigilant. “This is not over yet,” said Interior Ministry spokesperson Park Sung-ho. “We are doing everything possible to protect lives and prevent further damage. We ask for the public’s cooperation and patience.”
With communities submerged and the death toll likely to rise, South Korea faces a sobering reminder of how rapidly climate-related disasters can unfold and the urgent need for long-term infrastructure resilience.
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