At least 19 people have died and about nine remain missing after heavy rains triggered floods and landslides across South Korea, prompting mass evacuations and widespread damage. In response, President Lee Jae Myung has declared six districts as special disaster zones to speed up relief efforts and provide state assistance to affected communities.
President Lee has urged public officials to make every effort to locate the missing and assist with recovery operations. While the rains have eased in South Korea, media reports indicate that parts of North Korea are now experiencing severe downpours, raising concerns of further regional impact.
President Lee Jae Myung, while visiting hard-hit Sancheong County—where lives were lost—urged officials to mobilize every available resource for rescue and relief operations. He instructed Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung to accelerate the designation of special disaster zones and ensure prompt support for victims. As of Tuesday, six provinces, including Gyeonggi, South Chungcheong, South Jeolla, and South Gyeongsang, were granted this status, allowing for fast-tracked government assistance.
Since the rains began last Wednesday, nearly 14,000 people have been evacuated across 15 cities and provinces, with 2,549 still displaced as of Tuesday. Torrential downpours caused severe flooding, landslides, and structural collapses, with Sancheong, Gapyeong, and Seosan among the areas most severely affected. In Sancheong alone, around 12 inches of rain fell in a single day.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety reported extensive damage to over 3,700 facilities, including homes, shops, and factories. Public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and drainage systems, was also severely impacted, particularly in low-lying and rural areas. In total, more than 1,999 public sites and 2,238 private properties were affected by flooding and mudslides.
Agricultural losses have been especially devastating. According to official data, nearly 1.5 million livestock—including over one million chickens—were lost. Farmland damage spans an area roughly the size of 40,000 soccer fields, further compounding economic stress for rural residents who are already vulnerable to weather extremes.
Insurance claims surged as the rains continued. The General Insurance Association of Korea revealed that over 3,100 flood-damaged vehicles were reported to 12 non-life insurers between Wednesday and Monday. Estimated losses reached approximately 29.6 billion won (over $21 million USD), and officials expect that number to rise as more claims are filed.
In a cabinet meeting, President Lee criticized public officials who acted irresponsibly during the disaster, calling for strict disciplinary actions. He also urged ministries to establish a new, region-specific response framework for natural disasters, acknowledging that existing systems fell short. His approval rating dipped slightly to 62.2% during the crisis, down from 64.6% the previous week, according to Realmeter.
Though the weather has eased in South Korea, the state meteorological agency forecasts more rain in central and northern regions. Meanwhile, heatwave warnings have been issued in southern areas, where chemicals are being sprayed to prevent disease outbreaks. Authorities remain on alert, with emergency personnel—including 2,500 military troops—deployed to assist in recovery and restoration efforts.
