South Korea Floods and Landslides Leave 17 Dead, 11 Still Missing

• Torrential rainfall triggered deadly landslides and floods in South Korea, claiming lives and leaving many more missing
• A campsite in Gapyeong became the epicentre of the devastation, with dramatic rescues unfolding amid rising waters
• President Lee Jae Myung called for swift emergency measures as the nation braces for a shift from downpour to heat wave

Seventeen fatalities and five missing persons were reported in Gapyeong County, northeast of Seoul, after a catastrophic landslide and severe flooding struck the region on Sunday.

According to emergency officials, the landslide engulfed homes and a campsite, while rising waters swept away vehicles and forced widespread evacuations.

South Korea’s nationwide death toll climbed to 17, with 11 individuals still unaccounted for since the onset of relentless downpours on Wednesday. Over 13,000 people were evacuated as authorities scrambled to respond to the escalating disaster.

Campsite tragedy in Gapyeong

A man in his 40s was confirmed dead following the landslide that hit a campsite in Gapyeong, fire authorities reported. Two of his family members remain missing, and 24 others were stranded at the site.

Dramatic footage released by emergency services captured a daring rescue in which a person was pulled to safety by zip-line across a surging river. Separate video clips showed another individual being airlifted by helicopter from the scene.

Government response and forecast

President Lee Jae Myung instructed officials to conduct a rapid damage assessment and swiftly designate affected regions as special disaster zones to facilitate enhanced state support.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s weather agency said the heavy rainfall, which had pounded southern regions earlier in the week, had shifted north overnight. It predicted that the rain would subside later on Sunday, giving way to an incoming heat wave.

The situation remains fluid as emergency workers continue search and rescue efforts and assess the full extent of destruction caused by the extreme weather.

About South Korea

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a dynamic nation located on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. Known for its rapid economic transformation, the country emerged from the devastation of war to become a global leader in technology, innovation, and pop culture.

Seoul, its capital, is a vibrant metropolis that blends historic palaces with cutting-edge skyscrapers. South Korea boasts a rich cultural heritage, with traditions like kimchi-making and hanbok clothing coexisting alongside K-pop and advanced entertainment industries.

The nation maintains a strong educational system and an export-driven economy, especially in sectors such as electronics, automobiles, and shipbuilding. Despite regional tensions with North Korea, South Korea plays an active role in international diplomacy, humanitarian efforts, and environmental initiatives.

Its mountainous landscapes and coastal regions also make it a hub for tourism and outdoor recreation, attracting visitors from around the world year-round.

Tragedy as 29 killed, 321,000 houses destroyed

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Kebbi state government led by Nasir Idris said that 29 people, 321,000 houses, and 858,000 farmlands have been lost to floodwaters in 16 of the 21 local government areas in the state.

Briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, September 27, the state Commissioner for Information, Yakubu Ahmed, warned.

Source: Legit.ng