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South Korea Monsoon Floods Leave 18 Dead as Recovery Efforts Mobilize

Rain advisories lifted; special disaster zones declared; damage assessments under way; authorities prepare for an incoming heatwave

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

  • At least 18 people have died and nine remain missing after torrential monsoon rains from July 16 to 20 triggered floods and landslides in Sancheong, Gapyeong, Seosan, Dangjin, Gwangju and other regions
  • The Korea Meteorological Administration described the rainfall as a once-in-200-years event, with some areas recording up to 800 millimeters of rain over five days
  • More than 14,000 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters, and officials logged 1,999 cases of public infrastructure damage alongside 2,238 private property losses
  • President Lee Jae Myung ordered rapid designation of special disaster zones and deployed interagency recovery teams to coordinate emergency restoration work
  • With heavy rain warnings lifted, authorities have shifted from rescue to damage surveys and relief distribution while bracing for a heatwave expected later this week