South Korea rains began on July 16, 2025, triggering prolonged storms and flooding that caused a series of flash floods and landslides, leaving at least 19 people dead and 9 missing, displacing over 14,000 residents, and damaging or destroying homes, roads, and farmland. Recovery efforts have already begun in several provinces.
Widespread Damage and Loss of Life
Since that time, as of July 22, South Korea has documented over 6,700 reports of damage to the infrastructure. In some parts, 2,976 emergency repairs have been completed, but thousands of people remain without homes. So far, the hardest-hit area is Sancheong, a town in South Gyeongsang Province, with 10 confirmed deaths. Several strawberry greenhouses, and substantial numbers of homes and vehicles, were destroyed or picked up and carried away by floodwaters.
Source: X
Summary of Casualties and Missing Persons
| Region | Deaths | Missing |
|---|---|---|
| Sancheong, South Gyeongsang | 10 | 4 |
| Gapyeong, Gyeonggi | 3 | 4 |
| Seosan, South Chungcheong | 2 | 0 |
| Osan, Gyeonggi | 1 | 0 |
| Pocheon, Gyeonggi | 1 | 0 |
| Dangjin, South Chungcheong | 1 | 0 |
| Gwangju | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 19 | 9 |
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Timeline and Extremes of Rainfall
The orographic precipitation floods started on July 16 and peaked between July 20 and 21. From July 20 to 21, Gapyeong received 173 mm of rain in 17 hours, breaking a record set in 1998 for total rainfall in South Korea during that same time period. Sancheong experienced around 600 to 800 mm of rainfall in five days, severely overpowering the existing drainage systems and causing deadly landslides as well.
Source: X
Dry air from the northwest collided with warm, moist air from the south, which pushed the monsoon storms to dump unrelentingly massive amounts of water. Though climate scientists are concerned that these types of extreme rainfall events will happen more frequently, more research is needed to be certain.
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Government Response to South Korea Rains
President Lee stated that emergency operational sites were organized to coordinate military troops and emergency agencies for search and rescue, recovery, and the delivery of relief supplies. On March 9, over 82,000 relief supplies, including basic emergency kits, blankets, and hygiene supplies, were issued. Psychological support services assisted hundreds. Special disaster zones were declared to streamline the response process.
Source: X
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How to Help: Donation & Emergency Info
| Purpose | Organization/Link |
|---|---|
| Donate to the Relief Fund | Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association |
| International Support | Give2Asia: South Korea Flood Response |
| Fire/Ambulance | Call 119 |
| Police Assistance | Call 112 |
| Real-Time Updates | National Disaster and Safety Portal |
| News on X (Twitter) | @YonhapNews, @TheKoreaHerald, @Reuters |
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FAQs
1. What caused the July 2025 floods?
The floods were caused by monsoon rains that, when combined with converging air masses, resulted in record rainfall.
2. Which areas were hit hardest?
Sancheong and Gapyeong reported the highest numbers of deaths and damage.
3. Are there still warnings in effect?
Some areas issued warnings. Check with the Korea Meteorological Administration for updates.
Please donate using the links above and avoid visiting affected areas to allow rescuers to work.
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