South Korea grapples with devastating floods and landslides, again

South Korea is grappling with one of its worst flooding and landslide disasters in recent years. The death toll has risen to 18 as of July 22, 2025, with many more injured, displaced and in urgent need of relief. But what lies behind this unprecedented rainfall?

South Korea’s catastrophic landslides and flooding are a direct result of the heavy monsoon rains that have been battering the country since last week. With rainfall reaching up to 300 mm (11.8 inches) per day, water levels have surged—flooding homes, infrastructure, and farmland, particularly in the southern and western provinces.

The worst-affected area is Sancheong, a county near the central southern coast, where ten people have been reported dead and four others remain missing. The immediate human toll has been devastating, with at least 18 confirmed dead and over 70 injured.

Thousands more have been forced to evacuate as floodwaters submerged entire neighbourhoods, leaving many without access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, and medical care.
Beyond the human cost, the flooding has severely disrupted the economy—crippling agriculture, transport, and infrastructure. According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, 14,000 people have been evacuated, with their homes and farms either destroyed or significantly damaged.

President Lee Jae-myung has pledged to designate the worst-hit villages as special disaster zones, a move that would enable the government to offer tax exemptions and other relief measures.

This is not the first time South Korea has faced severe flooding. In 2011, catastrophic floods claimed the lives of over 70 people. But the growing frequency and intensity of such disasters point to an alarming trend: escalating climate-related risks in a warming world.

Experts believe climate change is playing a significant role. Rising global temperatures are increasing humidity levels, which in turn are contributing to more intense rainfall during the monsoon season. South Korea is not alone—other parts of East Asia are also experiencing extreme weather events with growing regularity.

The Korea Meteorological Administration has warned of further extreme weather, not only forecasting continued rainfall but also anticipating intense heatwaves in the days ahead.

Looking ahead, we can expect more of these extreme weather events. South Korea, like many other countries, must prepare for a future in which the climate is increasingly unpredictable and dangerous. This means investing in resilient infrastructure, improved flood defences, and—most crucially—stronger global action on climate change.

This deadly combination of intense flooding and record-high temperatures serves as a stark reminder of how deeply interconnected — and deadly — climate change has become.