What's happened
Heavy rains in South Korea have caused at least 17 deaths, with dozens missing, mainly in Sancheong and Gapyeong. The five-day deluge triggered landslides, floods, and property damage. Authorities warn of ongoing risks as a heatwave follows the storms, with climate change cited as a key factor.
What's behind the headline?
The recent floods in South Korea highlight the tangible impacts of climate change, with record rainfall and extreme weather becoming more common. The government’s response, including evacuations and rescue operations, underscores the need for improved disaster preparedness. The forecast of a heatwave following the storms suggests a pattern of increasingly volatile weather. This sequence of events demonstrates that South Korea's infrastructure and emergency response systems must adapt to a new normal of climate-induced disasters. The heavy rainfall, reaching nearly 800mm in some areas, is a clear sign that climate change will continue to drive more frequent and severe weather events, which will likely strain resources and require long-term policy adjustments.
What the papers say
Contrasting coverage from Al Jazeera and The Guardian emphasizes the severity of the floods, with Al Jazeera highlighting the military's response and the broader impact on property and evacuation efforts. The Guardian focuses on the rising death toll and the record-breaking rainfall, providing detailed local reports. Both sources agree on the link to climate change, but Al Jazeera emphasizes the immediate response, while The Guardian underscores the historical context and future risks. The Japan Times and AP News add detail on specific incidents, such as landslides and vehicle accidents, illustrating the dangerous conditions. The South China Morning Post notes the unprecedented hourly rainfall, framing it as a 'one-in-a-century' event, while AFP and AFP News highlight the ongoing threat of further rain and casualties. Overall, the coverage collectively underscores the increasing frequency of extreme weather in South Korea driven by climate change, with a focus on immediate rescue efforts and long-term preparedness.
How we got here
South Korea regularly experiences monsoon rains in July, but recent events have been exacerbated by climate change, leading to record-breaking rainfall and severe flooding in 2022 and 2023. The recent storms have overwhelmed local preparedness, with authorities warning of increasing frequency and intensity of such events due to global warming.
Go deeper
Common question
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How Is Heavy Rain and Flooding Affecting South Korea Right Now?
Recent heavy rains in South Korea have led to severe flooding, causing fatalities, evacuations, and travel disruptions. Many are wondering how serious the situation is, what damage has been done, and when the weather might improve. Below, we answer the most common questions about this ongoing disaster and what it means for residents and travelers alike.
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Why Is South Korea Experiencing Record Rainfall Now?
South Korea is currently facing unprecedented flooding caused by record-breaking rainfall. With over 7,000 people evacuated and severe infrastructure damage, many are wondering what’s behind this extreme weather. Is climate change to blame? Will this happen again soon? Here’s what you need to know about the causes, impacts, and future risks of South Korea’s flood crisis.
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What Caused the Deadly Floods and Heatwaves in South Korea?
Recent heavy rains and extreme heat in South Korea have led to devastating floods and heatwaves, causing loss of life and property damage. Many wonder what’s behind these extreme weather events and how climate change is influencing them. Below, we answer common questions about these disasters, their causes, and what’s being done to respond.
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South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea.
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Gwangju is the sixth-largest city in South Korea. It is a designated metropolitan city under the direct control of the central government's Home Minister.
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Seoul, officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. Seoul has a population of 9.7 million people, and forms the heart of the Seoul Capital Area with the surrounding Incheon metropolis and Gyeonggi province.