Footage captured during the weekend showed residents struggling to salvage their belongings, wading through flooded streets, and navigating roads strewn with debris.
The death toll in South Korea has risen to 26, with 10 others reported missing, following intense monsoon rains which induced landslides and floods. As a response to the worsening crisis, the South Korean government has pledged to mobilize personnel and resources to mitigate the situation, putting the safety of its citizens first.
The most adversely affected regions are in the central and southeastern areas of the country, as reported by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Since the weekend, an additional 13 people have been injured, causing thousands to evacuate their homes. On Saturday night alone, temporary shelters were providing refuge to over 4,200 people, as per the latest ministry report.
Substantial disruptions in the transportation network are also noted due to the adverse weather conditions. On Saturday, flight services for 20 routes were suspended, and nearly 200 roads were inaccessible due to flooding and debris. Falling rocks and waterlogged railway lines have even halted the services of Korea Railways’ regular and some bullet trains.
President Yoon Suk Yeol, while in Ukraine, conveyed his resolve to utilize all available resources to prevent further loss of life. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, recognizing the gravity of the situation, has asked for military aid to support the rescue efforts. The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts persistent heavy rainfall through Sunday, posing further challenges for the country.
