Tragedy Strikes: Eighteen Lives Lost in Devastating Landslides

Eighteen people have been killed and nine others remain unaccounted for following heavy rains and landslides that began ravaging the country last week, the government said Monday.

According to the interior ministry, as of 9 p.m. Sunday, the death toll includes 10 fatalities in the southern county of Sancheong, two in the northern county of Gapyeong, and two in the western city of Seosan.

Four of the missing individuals were reported in Sancheong, with another four unaccounted for in Gapyeong.

Since the heavy rains began last Wednesday, more than 14,000 people have sought shelter across 15 major cities and provinces.

The extent of property damage has been significant, with 1,999 incidents reported at public facilities and 2,238 at private facilities as of 6 p.m. Sunday.

The national weather service predicts additional rainfall through Monday morning in South Jeolla Province, South Gyeongsang Province, and the southern island of Jeju.

North Jeolla Province and North Gyeongsang Province are expected to experience rainfall starting at 9 a.m., while the capital region, along with Gangwon and Chungcheong provinces, is forecast to receive rain in the afternoon.

The government has lifted all heavy rain advisories and, on Sunday, lowered the warning level from “serious” to “attention.” (Yonhap)