Severe Flooding in South Korea Displaces Thousands Amid Prolonged Rainfall

For the fourth consecutive day, torrential rains have impacted South Korea, leaving approximately 3,000 people unable to return to their homes due to severe flooding. The downpour has led to the death of four individuals, with two more still reported as missing. The interior ministry disclosed that, as of Saturday morning, a total of 2,816 people were displaced from their homes, part of more than 7,000 evacuated during the recent heavy rain events.

The amount of rainfall recorded since Wednesday has reached unprecedented levels, with over 500mm measured in Seosan, located in the South Chungcheong province, just south of the capital city of Seoul. The floods have adversely affected livestock, trapping cows and other animals in water that reached their necks as sheds and stables became submerged. Additionally, the impact of the rain has been substantial, causing damage to more than 641 buildings, 388 roads, and 59 farms.

Weather forecasts indicate that rain will persist in some areas until Monday, prompting authorities to issue warnings about the heightened risk of landslides and flooding. The weather agency has predicted that from Sunday through Tuesday, northern regions could receive between 150mm to 200mm of additional rainfall, with some isolated areas potentially facing up to 300mm. Neighbouring North Korea is also expected to experience similar weather conditions, according to reports from state media.