At least 14 dead and thousands displaced after heavy monsoon rains in South Korea
Torrential rains between July 16 and 20, 2025, caused widespread flooding and landslides across central and southern South Korea, killing at least 14 people, displacing thousands, and damaging key infrastructure. Some regions recorded nearly 800 mm (31.5 inches) of rain in less than five days, with hourly rainfall rates exceeding 115 mm (4.5 inches), prompting the highest-level landslide and flood alerts nationwide.
Image credit: Burundi91
A prolonged period of intense rainfall affected much of South Korea from July 16 to 20, resulting in at least 14 confirmed fatalities, 12 missing persons, and widespread displacement.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) classified the event as one of the most severe monsoon deluges in recent years, with hourly rainfall peaks in Seosan reaching 115 mm (4.5 inches), a threshold described as “once-in-a-century.”
The highest rainfall totals were reported in Sancheong County, where cumulative precipitation approached 800 mm (31.5 inches). Other areas, including Seosan, Osan, Gwangju, and Gapyeong, recorded between 400–600 mm (15.7–23.6 inches) over the same period.
The KMA maintained red-level warnings for landslides and flash floods across multiple provinces throughout the event.
Most fatalities occurred due to house collapses, landslides, and submerged vehicles. In Sancheong alone, 8 people were confirmed dead and 6 others remained missing as of July 20. Additional deaths were reported in Gapyeong, Osan, and Gwangju, where a retaining wall collapse and basement flooding claimed lives.
According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS), at least 3 840 residents remained in evacuation shelters as of July 20, with cumulative displacement figures exceeding 7 000 during the peak of the event. Damage assessments in a single province indicated destruction to over 641 buildings, 388 roads, and 59 farms.
On July 20, Yoon Ho-joong was appointed Minister of the Interior and Safety and immediately chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (중대본) meeting in Sejong. He ordered local governments to prioritize the prevention of secondary casualties in unstable zones and directed ministries to accelerate relief distribution to evacuees.
Yoon also instructed authorities to prepare for rising temperatures and potential heatwaves in affected regions, emphasizing vector control and infection prevention. Safety patrols were reinforced near rivers and valleys frequented by summer tourists.
Later the same day, Minister Yoon inspected flood-damaged zones in Dangjin and Yesan, where he visited displaced persons and affected businesses. In Dangjin Traditional Market, he assessed damage to submerged shops and promised expedited support in cooperation with local governments.
The MOIS announced that a Pan-Governmental Recovery Taskforce will be established once emergency operations conclude.
Recovery planning includes a rapid damage survey, emergency restoration of critical infrastructure, and a coordinated inter-agency mobilization of personnel and resources. Regions deemed to have met criteria for “Special Disaster Zone” status are to be prioritized under fast-tracked procedures, as directed by the Minister.
Heavy rainfall tapered off late on July 20, and the KMA forecast a rapid transition to high temperatures across the peninsula.
References:
1 Death toll rises to 17 in South Korea as rains cause landslide and floods – Reuters – July 20, 2025
2 Death toll rises to 17 in South Korea as rains cause landslide and floods – MOIS – July 20, 2025
I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.
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