Prolonged heavy monsoon rains have drenched much of South Korea, with the central and southern regions bearing the brunt. Officials confirmed two fatalities linked to the downpour, including a 14-month-old girl, as rescue crews continued to assess the extent of damage across affected communities. Local authorities described a pattern of flash floods and sudden landslides driven by persistent rainfall that overwhelmed drainage systems and riverbanks in several counties. In Yeongju, located about 160 kilometers southeast of Seoul, a landslide partially buried a family home in the early hours of the morning, trapping residents inside. Firefighters arrived to find the home partially buried and, despite rapid attempts to reach the occupants, the infant could not be saved; the child was kept alive briefly in the field before being transported to hospital in a state of cardiorespiratory arrest. Record rainfall, reported as high as 160 millimeters in Yeongju since Thursday, has swollen streams and flooded roughly a hundred homes while triggering landslides in at least 15 other residences. The weather system has also toppled a river bridge in the town, complicating relief efforts and hindering safe access for residents and responders alike. These conditions have intensified calls for caution, as residents brace for further downpours predicted to continue into late Friday, potentially extending the flooding risk and expanding the areas affected. [Citation: Korea Meteorological Administration]
Around the same time, emergency crews recovered the body of a 67-year-old woman believed to have been swept away by floodwaters in Hampyeong County, situated about 275 kilometers south of Seoul in South Jeolla Province. The province has recorded some of the highest rainfall totals, with pockets accumulating around 200 millimeters, prompting widespread advisories and road closures as authorities sought to maintain safe routes for residents and responders. Officials emphasized that while Hampyeong and nearby districts faced the most acute impact, the storm’s reach extended to multiple counties, stressing the need for ongoing vigilance and evacuation readiness where authorities have established temporary shelters and advised residents to avoid flooded roads and swollen waterways. Roadway restrictions and temporary closures have impeded travel, contributing to mounting disruption for daily life and commerce in the hardest-hit areas. [Citation: National Weather Service Korea]
In the capital region, Seoul, authorities reported no major structural damage as yet, though access to many streams around the city remained restricted as a precautionary measure. The city has activated pumping operations at several facilities to prevent the kind of record flooding that claimed lives in past events, and officials reminded residents to stay away from fast-flowing streams and to monitor official advisories. The scale of this event underscores the importance of preparedness, early warning systems, and coordinated response between meteorological services, local governments, and emergency services to reduce risk during extreme rainfall seasons. As the rain persists, communities are urged to remain informed, stock essential supplies, and follow evacuation orders promptly to safeguard lives and property. [Citation: Seoul Disaster Management Center]