Torrential rains devastate South Korea: Four Dead, thousands evacuated

Severe downpours that swept across South Korea over the past three days have claimed at least four lives, left one person missing, and forced the evacuation of more than 5,000 residents, South Korean officials confirmed on July 18.

Most of the casualties were reported in South Chungcheong Province, where the heaviest rainfall occurred, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, Caliber.Az reports via South Korean media.

Among the fatalities, one man was found in cardiac arrest inside a submerged vehicle in Seosan and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. An elderly man in his 80s was discovered deceased in the basement of his home, while another died when a retaining wall collapsed onto his moving vehicle. A fourth victim was recovered from a local stream.

Authorities continue searching for a missing individual in the southwestern city of Gwangju after a report on the night of July 17 indicated the person had been swept away by floodwaters near a bridge.

As of 6 a.m. local time on July 18, a total of 5,192 residents from 13 cities and provinces had been evacuated due to flood risks and safety concerns. Extensive damage has been reported nationwide, including 328 flooded roads, 30 collapsed river embankments, and over 770 cases of public and private property damage.

Disruptions have also affected transportation, with two passenger ferry routes suspended and train services on seven major lines partially halted. Additionally, 45 power outages were reported across the country, with 36 restored by early July 18 and emergency crews working to resolve the remaining nine.

In response to the growing scale of destruction, the South Korean government elevated the national disaster alert to its highest level, "serious," on July 17. The Central Disaster Headquarters also activated its top-tier emergency response protocol, mobilising all relevant ministries and agencies for coordinated disaster relief operations.

The Korea Meteorological Administration warned of continued heavy rainfall, forecasting an additional 100 to 200 mm of precipitation in the southern regions of Gwangju, Busan, and Ulsan. Central areas, including Chungcheong and North Jeolla Province, as well as Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, are expected to receive 50 to 150 mm of rain between July 17 and 18.

By Vugar Khalilov