South Korea Mourns After Devastating Floods Kill 19

South Korea is reeling from a catastrophic series of rainstorms that battered the nation from July 13 to July 20, 2025, claiming at least 19 lives and leaving eight people missing. The relentless downpours triggered widespread flooding and landslides, particularly in central and southern regions, causing significant destruction to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

The storms delivered unprecedented rainfall, with some areas recording levels not seen in over a century. In Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, 114.9 mm of rain fell in a single hour on July 17, marking the highest hourly rainfall in 120 years. By 10:30 AM, nearly 440 mm had accumulated, equivalent to 35% of the region’s annual average. In Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province, nearly 800 mm of rain fell over five days, making it the hardest-hit area with 10 deaths and four missing. Gunsan City saw 131.7 mm in one hour on July 16, a “once in 200 years” event. These extreme rainfall rates, driven by warm, moist air interacting with cold air masses over the Yellow Sea, led to flash floods and landslides that engulfed homes, campsites, and vehicles.

The storms left a trail of devastation across multiple provinces:

- South Chungcheong Province: Three deaths were reported, including one person found in a submerged vehicle, an elderly man swept away near a stream, and another in a flooded basement apartment. Over 1,000 people were evacuated as floodwaters inundated markets, apartment complexes, and roads in Seosan and Yesan.

- South Gyeongsang Province: Sancheong alone reported 10 fatalities and four missing, with landslides destroying homes and infrastructure.

- Gyeonggi Province: Five deaths occurred, including two in Gapyeong, where a landslide swept away houses and vehicles.

- Gwangju: One death was reported, alongside flooding that submerged 87 roads and 38 buildings within hours, with 230 homes losing power.

Nationwide, over 13,000 people were evacuated, with 3,840 remaining in shelters as of July 20. The storms damaged over 400 buildings, submerged roads, and disrupted public transportation, with schools closing and hundreds reporting property damage. Businesses, like a nightclub in Seosan, faced severe losses as floodwaters destroyed equipment and interiors.

The South Korean government, led by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, raised the disaster alert to Level 3, mobilizing military, police, fire departments, and local authorities for rescue and recovery. Over 2,400 personnel are involved in search operations, particularly in hard-hit areas like Yecheon and Sancheong. President Yoon Suk Yeol visited flood-damaged zones in Dangjin and Yesan, promising expedited support and assessing damage at local markets. A Pan-Governmental Recovery Taskforce is planned to restore critical infrastructure and aid displaced residents. Tech giants Samsung and LG have deployed free repair teams for damaged appliances, operating daily to assist affected communities.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) attributed the storms’ intensity to a combination of warm, moist air and atmospheric instability, worsened by climate change. The agency noted that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, with 2022 and 2023 also seeing deadly floods. The government has faced criticism for inadequate disaster preparedness, with some pointing to funding shortages as a barrier to effective response.

As South Korea shifts to a forecast heatwave, the immediate focus remains on rescuing the missing and supporting the displaced. The storms, which the KMA described as part of an unseasonal monsoon pattern, highlight the urgent need for improved infrastructure and early warning systems to mitigate future disasters. The death toll expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.

Sources: Reuters; The Korea Herald