South Korea Heavy Rains Kill 18, Leave Nine Missing Across Multiple Provinces

South Korea has experienced severe flooding and landslides following days of torrential rain, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people with several others missing, particularly in the southern county of Sancheong and the northern county of Gapyeong. The rain, which set national records for daily precipitation, caused extensive damage to public infrastructure and private properties, including farms, homes, and roads, with nearly 2,000 cases reported for public facilities and over 2,200 for private ones. Approximately 14,000 people have been evacuated to shelters across 15 cities and provinces, and power outages disrupted communications in affected areas. Although the heavy rain warnings have been downgraded, the national weather agency forecasts additional rainfall in southern and central regions. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for a comprehensive disaster response as the country transitions from extreme rain to a nationwide heatwave watch. The ongoing situation has left many residents, such as business owners in Gapyeong, facing uncertain futures amid the widespread devastation.