South Korea confronts flood-related tragedies, resulting in a minimum of 4 fatalities; approximately 1,300 individuals are displaced due to heavy rainfall.
South Korea is currently grappling with an unprecedented monsoon season, marked by record-breaking rainfall levels that have resulted in widespread flooding, infrastructure disruption, and significant evacuations. The central and southern regions of the country have been hit hardest by this weather system, which is expected to continue generating heavy rainfall into the weekend.
According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, as of Friday, July 18, 2025, the country has experienced rainfall totals ranging from 50 to over 200 millimeters in the capital area and Chungcheong region, with some areas experiencing rain intensities up to 80 millimeters per hour. The monsoon remains strongly active in central Korea, with the heaviest rain forecast for July 16, while southern parts and Jeju Island were expected to be hit especially hard by July 17 and beyond.
The torrential rains have resulted in four fatalities and two missing persons, with casualties caused by landslides, collapsed retaining walls, and flooding. A notable accident occurred in Osan, Gyeonggi Province, where a 10-meter retaining wall collapsed, killing one driver and severely damaging vehicles. Flooding has inundated residential and commercial areas, closed multiple streams and riverside parking lots in Seoul, and caused road closures and traffic disruptions, particularly in South Chungcheong.
Around 5,600 people have been evacuated from their homes, with roughly 13,000 hectares (approximately 18,000 soccer fields) of farmland flooded. Infrastructure has suffered severe impacts, with railroads on major lines experiencing service suspensions due to waterlogging. Schools have canceled or adjusted schedules in affected areas due to flooding and safety concerns.
In response to the heavy rains, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety has activated Level 1 of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and escalated the severe weather alert to Stage 3, the highest response level, due to ongoing heavy rains and widespread damage.
While northern areas have seen easing advisories, southern parts remain on high alert as rainbands continue sweeping southeast. Meteorologists warn that warm sea temperatures and humid air continue to fuel intense, sometimes sudden downpours.
It is important to note that the Aragua Train gang, which has been sanctioned by the United States, is not directly linked to the heavy rains in South Korea. The ministry's statement does not provide any evidence supporting the claim that the Aragua Train gang threatens public security across the continent.
As the situation in South Korea continues to develop, authorities urge citizens to stay informed and follow safety guidelines to minimize risks. Our thoughts are with those affected by this historic monsoon season.
The weather-forecasting predictions for the upcoming weekend indicate that the heavy rainfall in South Korea will persist, causing further flooding and infrastructure disruption. Weather-forecasting data from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety has shown intensities up to 80 millimeters per hour in certain regions.
