The rains began on Wednesday, July 17, unleashing over 400mm of water in some areas within just a few hours, causing flash floods, river overflows, and landslides. Homes and vehicles were submerged, forcing authorities to initiate emergency evacuations.

One victim died in Osan, south of Seoul, when his car was swept away by floodwaters after a section of the road collapsed. The other three fatalities occurred in South Chungcheong Province, where heavy rains triggered landslides and rising waters in low-lying areas.

More than 1,300 people were evacuated to temporary shelters as homes became uninhabitable. Emergency services are continuing rescue operations, warning that the death toll could rise as rain persists and access to some affected areas remains limited.

Footage shared online shows dramatic scenes of flooded streets, submerged cars, homes inundated to window level, and residents wading through waist-deep water to reach safety. In some areas, household belongings were seen floating away as people fled on foot or by inflatable rafts.

South Korea’s government has issued weather alerts, urging residents to stay away from riverbanks, steep slopes, and low-lying areas prone to flooding or landslides. Officials also warned that rainfall may continue in the coming days due to unpredictable weather patterns.

According to reports from BBC, Reuters, and AP, the situation is being closely monitored, with local disaster management teams deployed to oversee evacuations, distribute supplies, and restore access to isolated communities.

This disaster comes amid growing concerns over climate change and its impact on seasonal weather patterns. Experts note that South Korea and other parts of East Asia are increasingly experiencing extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall and heatwaves, underscoring the need for long-term adaptation strategies.