At least 18 people have died in South Korea after landslides and floods, triggered by intense rainfall, devastated various regions, according to reports from the local authorities on Monday, July 21, 2025. With nine individuals still missing, efforts are underway to support rescue efforts amidst a rising death toll.
Since last Wednesday, parts of South Korea’s southern and western provinces have faced relentless downpours, accumulating up to 31 inches of rain. Sancheong County, located near the central south coast, was hit the hardest, with 10 fatalities reported and another four individuals missing. Over 12 inches of rain fell in this area on Saturday alone, leading officials to issue alerts urging all 33,000 residents to be vigilant against potential floods and landslides.
Images and videos from the devastated areas depict widespread destruction, including ruined strawberry greenhouses and overturned vehicles. Inhabitants have expressed their distress over power and water shortages, which are impacting daily life.
In Gapyeong County, situated northeast of Seoul, a family of four camping beside a stream had their tent engulfed by a sudden landslide and flood early Sunday. Rescuers managed to save the son, while the father was discovered downstream, unfortunately deceased. Ongoing search efforts are focused on locating the mother and an 11-year-old daughter, with crews using ropes and equipment to navigate through treacherous floodwaters.
As a result of the severe weather, approximately 14,000 individuals have been evacuated, with many losing or having their homes and farms damaged. Agricultural lands equivalent to 40,000 soccer fields have sustained losses, affecting crops such as rice and watermelon. The Ministry of Agriculture has reported nearly 1.5 million livestock casualties, including over 1.4 million chickens.
In response to the devastation, President Lee Jae Myung has promised to designate the most affected areas as special disaster zones, facilitating tax exemptions and relief measures to support recovery efforts.
By Monday, most evacuees had returned home as rain subsided and sunshine returned, although they now face the daunting task of rebuilding their damaged properties. The military has been mobilized to assist as communities begin the recovery process, with workers deploying heavy machinery to clear essential routes and debris.
Despite a downgrade in heavy rain alerts, meteorological forecasts indicate more rain could be on the horizon for central and northern regions, alongside warnings of a heat wave in the south. Officials are taking proactive measures to prevent disease outbreaks in the aftermath of the flooding, deploying vehicles throughout affected neighborhoods to spray disinfectants.
