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South Korea Designates Special Disaster Zones After Monsoon Floods Kill 19

Pan-government recovery teams are mobilising resources to repair flood-damaged infrastructure for displaced residents under a looming heatwave warning

A view of the damage in the aftermath of torrential rain, in Gapyeong, South Korea July 21, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
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Overview

  • The official death toll has risen to 19 with nine people still missing following a record five-day deluge across central and southern provinces.
  • More than 14,000 evacuees remain sheltered in 15 cities and provinces as authorities continue damage assessments and relief distributions.
  • Government data show nearly 2,000 public infrastructure sites and over 2,200 private properties were damaged by floods, landslides and soil erosion.
  • President Lee Jae Myung ordered swift designation of special disaster zones to unlock financial aid and fast-track recovery efforts in the hardest-hit areas.
  • The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has deployed a pan-government taskforce to coordinate emergency restoration work ahead of an expected heatwave.