Geoje Residents Battle Flood Damage and Heatwave Amid Lingering Odors

Five days after record rainfall inundated Geoje, South Korea, residents are still grappling with the devastating aftermath. Homes remain filled with mud and ruined possessions, painting a grim picture of the destruction. The recovery process is further complicated by a severe heatwave, with temperatures reaching 34 degrees Celsius (93.2 Fahrenheit) and oppressive humidity making the cleanup a grueling task.

"Our homes are filled with mud and everything is ruined. Nothing is salvageable," said Kwak Ssang-su, 76, surveying her flooded house. The village roads are choked with mud and debris, and piles of waterlogged furniture and appliances line the streets. Excavators and dump trucks work tirelessly to clear the mess, but some roads have cracked and sunk.

Despite the weekend, residents continued their arduous work, trying to clear mud from their homes and move out damaged belongings. The intense heat added to their physical strain, with sweat pouring within minutes of entering the village. The lingering smell of stagnant water and mud is a constant reminder of the disaster, with many residents wondering when the odor will finally dissipate.

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Our homes are filled with mud and everything is ruined. Nothing is salvageable.