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South Korea Faces Rising Death Toll and Missing Persons Amid Torrential Rains and Landslides

Seoul: The death toll from heavy rains and landslides in South Korea increased to 17 as three additional casualties were reported on Sunday evening, local media reported. At least 11 people remain missing due to the torrential rains that have persisted over the last four days.

According to Anadolu Agency, data from the Interior Ministry and National Fire Agency revealed that six of the fatalities and seven of the missing individuals are from the southern county of Sancheong. Additional deaths were reported in Osan in the Gyeonggi Province, as well as in Seosan and Dangjin, both located in the South Chungcheong province. Rescue operations continue in Sancheong, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise further.

The southwestern city of Gwangju has also been affected, with two individuals reported missing. As rescue efforts continue, 58 people have been successfully rescued from the county of Sancheong. The region has been severely impacted by torrential rains since Wednesday, with Sancheong experiencing 793.5 millimeters (31.2 inches) of rainfall, while neighboring Hapcheon recorded 699 mm (27.5 in) and Hadong received 621.5 mm (24.5 in).

Authorities have reported 1,920 incidents of flooding, soil erosion, and damage to public infrastructure across the nation. Additionally, there have been 2,234 cases of private property damage, impacting buildings and farmland. In response to the crisis, approximately 12,921 residents have been evacuated to shelters spread across 14 major cities and provinces.