Record-breaking torrential rains have battered South Korea for five consecutive days, causing widespread destruction, claiming 17 lives, and leaving 11 others missing, according to a report from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on Sunday.
 |
| A CU convenient store in Gapyeong |
Deadly Flooding Across the Country
- In Gapyeong, northeast of Seoul, one person was killed when their home collapsed under heavy rain, and another was swept away by a swollen stream.
- The southern town of Sancheong was hit hardest on Saturday. Landslides, house collapses, and flash floods left 10 people dead and four missing.
- In Gwangju, one fatality was confirmed, while seven more remain missing across Gwangju, Gapyeong, and nearby regions.
- In Osan, just south of Seoul, one person died earlier in the week after a retaining wall collapsed, burying their car in soil and concrete.
- Three additional deaths occurred in South Chungcheong Province, including victims trapped in a flooded basement, submerged car, and overflowing stream.
 |
| Landslides in Gapyeong and Sancheong |
Thousands Evacuated, Entire Communities Affected
As of 4 p.m. Sunday, the government reported that around 2,730 residents have been evacuated from flood-prone areas. Many schools, roads, and public facilities remain closed or inaccessible due to damage and safety concerns.
Although the rain has eased and most weather alerts were lifted by Sunday afternoon, the destruction left behind is significant—especially in the southern and central regions.
Some areas received up to 24–31 inches (600–800 mm) of rainfall since Wednesday, causing landslides, floods, and structural collapses.
 |
| Flash floods in Ulsan, Qwangju, and Chungnam |
President Lee Jae-myung Pledges Disaster Relief
President Lee Jae-myung expressed deep condolences to families of the victims and those affected by the heavy rains. He announced that the government will designate the hardest-hit areas as “special disaster zones”, enabling expanded financial and recovery support.
This classification will allow residents and local governments to receive national-level emergency funds, tax relief, and reconstruction aid to recover from the devastation.
🔍 SEO Keywords
South Korea flood 2025, torrential rain Korea July, 17 dead Korea flooding, 이재명 수해 대책, 산청 산사태, gapyeong flood victim, 경기도 홍수 피해, 집중호우 남부 지방, Korea landslide deaths, Korean disaster zone designation, Gwangju flood 2025, Osan retaining wall collapse, Korean rain alert news, Korea storm damage update, 홍수 재난 특별지역