South Korea Floods Leave One Missing, Over 750 Evacuated

Torrential rains across South Korea have caused significant disruption, leading to one reported missing person and the evacuation of over 750 residents. The downpours, which began on July 8, have resulted in widespread damage, including flooded homes and roads, and the appearance of sinkholes. As of the morning of July 10, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters reported 453 cases of facility damage.

One incident involved a man in his 70s who was swept away by strong currents in the Namwoncheon stream in Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do province, on July 9. Rescue efforts involving fire departments, police, and military units were launched but have so far been unsuccessful in locating him. In total, 758 people from 508 households were forced to evacuate, with 65 individuals still unable to return to their homes. Landslides were reported in five areas, including Okcheon in Chungcheongbuk-do and Yeongwol in Gangwon-do, though fortunately, no casualties resulted from these incidents.

The Chungcheong region has experienced the heaviest rainfall, with cumulative precipitation reaching 267.1 mm in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, 259.0 mm in Gyeryong, South Chungcheong Province, and 244.5 mm in Sejong. The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters forecasts that while some border areas, such as Yeoncheon, Paju, and Pocheon in Gyeonggi Province, and Cheorwon in Gangwon Province, may still experience 10-20 mm of rain per hour on the morning of July 10, most regions should see the rain cease by midday.