Torrential Rains Claim Four Lives, Force 1,300 to Evacuate in South korea

Severe rainfall has battered South Korea, leaving four people dead and prompting the evacuation of over 1,300 residents. The extreme weather, described by meteorologists as a once-in-a-century event, has caused widespread flooding and damage across the country.

Among the victims were two elderly men, one of whom died while attempting to clear floodwaters from his basement. Another man was killed when a collapsing wall crushed his car shortly after he told his wife the vehicle was being swept away. A fourth victim suffered a fatal cardiac arrest.

In the hardest-hit city of Seosan on the west coast, over 400mm of rain fell within 12 hours. Gwangju also saw historic rainfall levels, recording 426mm in a single day. Local residents expressed shock, with cafe owner Kim Ha-min saying she had never experienced such rainfall in her neighborhood, which lacks nearby rivers or streams.

The relentless rain has led the South Korean government to raise the weather disaster alert to its highest level. Authorities warn that the risk of landslides and flash floods remains elevated, urging the public to avoid riverbanks, slopes, and underground areas.

Across the country, injuries were also reported — including cases of hypothermia and leg injuries — as flooding overwhelmed homes, roads, and businesses. Social media posts showed submerged vehicles and floating furniture.

Meteorologists attribute the deluge to a collision of dry air from the northwest with warm, humid southern air, forming unusually large rain clouds. While the rainfall is expected to subside, forecasts indicate a return to high temperatures and potential heatwaves in the coming week.

Source- AP News, BBC News, Reuters.