SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Torrential rains that lashed South Korea over the past five days resulted in a tragic toll, leaving 14 people dead and 12 others missing, according to government officials on Sunday. The sudden and severe weather caused devastation across various regions, leading to multiple casualties and significant property damage.
On Sunday, one unfortunate individual was killed when their house collapsed due to the relentless heavy rain in Gapyeong, a town located northeast of Seoul. Additionally, another person was found dead after being swept away by a swollen stream in the same area, as reported by the Interior and Safety Ministry. This incident highlights the immediate and dangerous impact of the extreme weather conditions in the region.
On Saturday, the situation worsened in the southern town of Sancheong, where the ministry reported the discovery of eight dead individuals and six others missing; these casualties were attributed to landslides and flash floods that escalated due to the relentless downpour. The ministry's report highlighted the methodical search and rescue operations being conducted in these affected areas, as six individuals remain unaccounted for in both Gapyeong and the southern city of Gwangju.
Further compounding the tragic circumstances, earlier in the week, a submerged vehicle was discovered with three deceased individuals inside. In a separate incident, a person lost their life when their car was engulfed by soil and concrete after the collapse of a retaining wall of an overpass in Osan, situated just south of Seoul, due to the sustained heavy rainfall.
As of 9 a.m. on Sunday, the ongoing crisis saw about 3,840 people evacuated from their residences, as the government took precautionary measures to ensure public safety. Fortunately, the rain subsided across most parts of South Korea on Sunday, leading to the lifting of heavy rain alerts across the country, according to ministry officials.
Since the onset of the downpour on Wednesday, southern regions of South Korea have experienced an extraordinary accumulation of rainfall, with measurements ranging from approximately 600 to 800 millimeters (24 to 31 inches). This unprecedented amount of rain has resulted in widespread chaos, destruction, and a mounting humanitarian crisis in the affected areas.
The impact of the torrential rains serves as a stark reminder of the potential devastation caused by extreme weather events. As the nation begins to assess the damage and initiate recovery efforts, the lives lost and the individuals still missing underscore the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and response strategies in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.
