South Korea Ravaged by Devastating Torrential Rain, Landslides, and Floods – 22 Lives Lost

South Korea has been devastated by days of relentless rain, resulting in the deaths of 22 people and the disappearance of 14 others due to landslides, floods, and other incidents, according to the government. The fatalities occurred in the central and southeastern regions. Initial reports suggested that landslides caused by heavy downpours were responsible for five deaths, while two others died in landslide-related incidents. However, the exact cause of death for the additional fatalities has yet to be determined.

In addition to the fatalities, torrential rains have also left 14 people missing since Tuesday, and 13 others injured since Thursday. The continuous downpour has compelled approximately 4,760 individuals to evacuate and has resulted in power outages for numerous households in the past seven days. As of Saturday afternoon, more than 2,000 people are seeking refuge in temporary shelters.

The adverse weather conditions have also led to significant disruptions in transportation. Twenty flights were canceled, and both the regular train service and some bullet trains were suspended. More than 140 roads remain closed. The country’s weather agency predicts that certain areas will continue to experience heavy rain until Sunday.

President Yoon Suk Yeol, currently visiting Ukraine, has instructed Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to utilize all available resources to respond to the disaster. The central regions of Gongju and Cheongyang have received over 600 millimeters (24 inches) of rainfall since July 9, making it the heaviest in 80 years. Last year, Seoul experienced the deadliest rainfall event in eight decades, claiming the lives of nine people.