Footage captured during the weekend showed residents struggling to save their belongings, wading through flooded streets, and navigating roads littered with debris.
South Korea is facing a severe crisis as heavy monsoon rains have resulted in landslides and floods, leading to the deaths of 26 individuals, with 10 more currently missing. The central and southeastern regions of the country have been particularly impacted, as per information released by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
The calamity, which escalated over the weekend, has also led to 13 additional injuries and necessitated the evacuation of thousands. According to the latest ministry report, about 5,570 people have had to leave their homes, with over 4,200 individuals seeking shelter on Saturday night.
South Korea’s transport infrastructure has also been significantly disrupted due to the extreme weather conditions. As a consequence of flooding and debris, almost 200 roads have been closed. Additionally, 20 flights were canceled on Saturday, and certain railway services, including regular trains and some bullet trains, have been suspended due to the risks posed by falling rocks and submerged tracks.
In light of the ongoing crisis, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has called for military aid to strengthen rescue operations. Meanwhile, President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is visiting Ukraine, has assured his commitment to leverage all available resources to reduce further casualties. As the Korea Meteorological Administration predicts continued heavy rains until Sunday, the government is prioritizing the safety and well-being of its citizens.