Death toll rises as floods and landslides hit South Korea

At least 17 people have died and more than 10 remain missing after days of relentless rainfall triggered devastating floods and landslides across South Korea, according to the country’s disaster management office.

Emergency crews continue search and rescue operations, with fears the death toll may rise. In the resort town of Gapyeong, residents were seen wading through thick mud and crossing damaged bridges to reach evacuation shelters. A landslide in the area also claimed two lives, local officials confirmed.

Severe flooding caused by heavy rain in Gwangju, South Korea 🇰🇷 (17.07.2025) pic.twitter.com/Kuw99Nkn8G

— Disaster News (@Top_Disaster) July 17, 2025

In Chungcheong province, video footage showed an entire village buried in mud and debris, while in Sancheong, six deaths and seven missing persons have been reported. Most of the destruction has hit southern regions hardest.

The storm has damaged or submerged thousands of roads and buildings, devastated farmland, and killed large numbers of livestock. Forcing 13,000 people to evacuate and more than 41,000 households temporarily lost power, local media said.

While the rain has eased in the south and centre, heavy showers have now moved north, with Seoul and surrounding areas bracing for more downpours.

On Sunday, President Lee Jae-myung designated the hardest-hit zones as special disaster areas and launched a coordinated recovery response. Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung called on local governments to mobilize “all available resources” urgently.

The heavy rain is expected to taper off late Sunday, but will be followed by an intense heatwave, authorities warned.