Four dead, 1,300 evacuated as heavy rains hit South Korea

Details emerge about the disaster

The toll from severe downpours continued to rise in South Korea on Sunday, July 16, with the death toll at four and more than 1,300 people evacuated. The storms have left residents reeling, forcing rescues from flooded homes and causing landslides and power blackouts. The rains are the result of what one local official called a "landstorm," a powerful monsoon system that brings more than 25 centimeters (10 inches) of rain in just a few hours.

Rescue and relief efforts

More than 700 people were evacuated in the city of Seoul alone, where more than 60 homes were flooded. Another 600 people were displaced in the nearby Gyeonggi province. The storms, described as an "inland tsunami" by one resident, have also caused transport chaos, with several roads blocked and traditional markets and parks left underwater.

Climate change impact

The unusual monsoon activity is likely linked to climate change, say scientists, who warn that extreme weather events will become more frequent and intense as global temperatures rise. The rains come less than a week after record-high temperatures were recorded in the region. An official from the Korea Meteorological Administration urged people to "take the rains seriously" and prepare accordingly.

Hope and resilience

Despite the devastation, people are demonstrating tremendous resilience. Neighborhood networks are mobilizing to help those affected, with many sharing messages of hope and community.