18 dead, 9 missing following torrential rain; government announces recovery plans

At least 18 people are dead and 9 missing after days of torrential rain triggered landslides and flash flooding across South Korea.

Recovery operations are in full swing, as the government rolls out emergency measures to support survivors and restore damaged infrastructure.

Our Kim Jung-sil has our top story.

The devastating rainstorm that began last week has caused widespread destruction across the country.

According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, 18 people have been confirmed dead, with 9 still missing.

The worst-hit region was Sancheong in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, where 10 people died after a massive landslide.

Other fatalities were reported across Gyeonggi-do and Chungcheongnam-do provinces, with one dead in Gwangju.

The search for survivors continues, but dangerous, unstable terrain is making recovery efforts difficult.

More than 14,000 people have been forced to evacuate, seeking shelter across 15 provinces.

Over 4,000 instances of property damage have been reported, with submerged roads, collapsed embankments, and flooded farmland, along with significant destruction to private property.

"I've been running this business for 10 years. What is this? My fridge, everything, my house too."

In response, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced Monday a comprehensive financial relief package for affected areas.

Local governments are providing immediate financial support, mobilizing disaster relief funds for shelters, supplies, and emergency recovery operations.

The government is also offering tax exemptions for vehicles, homes, and agricultural equipment that were destroyed, as well as delayed tax payments and other relief measures for residents burdened by the damage.

Newly appointed Minister of the Interior and Safety, Yun Ho-jung, visited one of the hardest-hit areas on Sunday, assuring the public that restoring normalcy is now a top priority.

"We will mobilize all available resources from local governments and relevant agencies to ensure that recovery efforts are swift and effective."

While recovery efforts are underway, the full extent of the damage remains uncertain.

Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.