Torrential rains in South Korea kill 14, dozens missing PHOTO

South Korea has been battered by relentless heavy rains since July 16, resulting in at least 14 deaths and 12 people reported missing, authorities confirmed on July 20.

According to the Interior and Safety Ministry, southern regions received an extraordinary 24 to 31 inches (600 to 800 millimeters) of rain over the past several days, triggering devastating floods and landslides, Caliber.Az reports via Western media.

The rural town of Sancheong in southern South Korea suffered the worst losses, with eight confirmed deaths after landslides destroyed homes. Several others remain missing amid the destruction. Nearby, in Gapyeong—northeast of Seoul—one person died when their house collapsed, and another was swept away by a swollen stream. Additional residents remain unaccounted for in the area.

The prolonged downpour forced the evacuation of nearly 3,840 people across affected areas. Flight cancellations disrupted travel nationwide.

Earlier incidents included three fatalities found in a submerged vehicle and another death when a retaining wall collapsed in Osan, just south of Seoul, burying a car under soil and concrete.

The heavy rains, typical of South Korea’s monsoon season in July, were unusually intense this year. Official meteorological data revealed some of the highest hourly rainfall rates on record. Experts attribute the increasing severity and frequency of such extreme weather events to climate change.

Fortunately, the deluge began to subside Sunday, with rain stopping across most parts of the country and heavy rain warnings being lifted, offering a brief respite to affected communities.

By Khagan Isayev