South Korea Reels from Deadly Floods and Landslides

Rescue operations continue as heavy rainfall triggers floods and landslides, with fears of a rising death toll and nearly 10,000 displaced residents. Multiple regions are on landslide alert as the government activates a recovery effort.

At least 14 individuals have lost their lives due to catastrophic floods and landslides that have hit South Korea following relentless torrential rain, according to the nation's disaster management agency. With 12 people still unaccounted for, authorities fear that the death toll may climb further as rescue operations remain underway.

Images from the resort town of Gapyeong depict residents struggling through deep mud while navigating a damaged bridge to reach evacuation centers. Reports indicate that an entire village in the central Chungcheon region was buried under earth and debris due to a massive landslide, with footage emerging from the area showcasing the extensive damage.

Since the heavy rains began on Wednesday, nearly 10,000 individuals have fled their homes, and over 41,000 households have experienced power outages, as detailed by local news outlets. Although rainfall intensity has reduced in the most affected southern and central regions, forecasts predict additional downpours for Seoul and northern areas throughout Sunday.

The southern part of the country has suffered considerably, with six fatalities and seven individuals missing in Sancheong County. Casualties have also been reported in northern mountainous regions near Seoul, alongside other western and northern locales. In Gapyeong, two people have died and four are missing after a landslide swept through residential properties. The Gyeonggi Province Fire Department confirmed the rescue of 63 individuals while 285 others evacuated the danger zone.

Nationally, serious landslide warnings have been issued as the government has mobilized a multi-agency recovery initiative to address the disaster's aftermath.