Severe Flooding in South Korea Claims 23 Lives Amid Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Tragic Toll from Recent Floods
Seoul, July 24: The death toll from last week's devastating rains has risen to 23, as confirmed by the interior ministry on Thursday. Four additional fatalities were reported following the severe flooding and landslides that struck the region.
Authorities located the remains of three individuals in the southern area of Sancheong and one in the northern region of Gapyeong, after relentless downpours affected the country from Wednesday to Sunday, according to the ministry's daily safety update.
With these discoveries, the number of missing persons has decreased from nine to five.
Regionally, the fatalities include 13 in South Gyeongsang Province, six in Gyeonggi Province, three in South Chungcheong Province, and one in Gwangju.
The government is now prioritizing recovery efforts, with over half (50.7%) of the 12,791 damaged public and private facilities undergoing emergency repairs.
Since the onset of the heavy rains, more than 14,000 individuals have sought shelter, with 2,549 still unable to return home, as reported by a local news agency.
On July 21, President Lee Jae Myung directed officials to promptly classify the flood-affected areas as special disaster zones to enhance rescue and recovery initiatives and assist those impacted.
During his visit, Lee instructed Interior and Safety Minister Yun Ho-jung to mobilize all necessary resources and administrative support for the victims, ensuring that flood-stricken areas receive special disaster zone status, as stated by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.
Designating special disaster zones allows for government assistance in recovery and relief for victims.
The South Korean Army has deployed approximately 2,500 military personnel and equipment to assist in recovery efforts in the hardest-hit areas.
Since Thursday, around 2,500 emergency responders and 20 pieces of equipment have been dispatched to Gwangju, parts of South Chungcheong Province, and South Gyeongsang Province, according to military sources.