South Korea rainfall death toll climbs to 14 as government adapts
South Korean Monsoon Deluge Claims 14 Lives Amid Unprecedented Rainfall
Heavy downpours have decimated South Korea this week, with the death toll now standing at 14.
Key Affected Regions
- Sancheong County—the southern rural area has received almost 800 mm of rain since Wednesday.
- Gapyeong County—located in Gyeonggi province, 70 km east of Seoul, has seen close to 170 mm of precipitation.
Recent Casualty Incidents
- A woman in her 70s died when her home collapsed during a landslide in Sancheong. Five days after the heavy rain, her body was recovered early Sunday.
- A man in his 40s drowned near a bridge in Gapyeong; his body was recovered during the rescue operations.
Current Missing‑Person Figures
After five days of continuous rainfall, 12 people remain unaccounted for.
Historical Comparisons
South Korea typically withstands July monsoon rains with ample preparation. However, the southern regions were hit by an extreme downpour, recording some of the highest hourly rainfall rates on record.
Experts attribute these extreme weather events to climate change, noting a sharp rise in both frequency and intensity globally. For context, South Korea faced record‑breaking floods in 2022, claiming at least 11 lives.
