Heavy rain warnings have been lifted along the southern coast of Gyeongsangnam-do, though hundreds of evacuees remain unable to return home [1].
The situation highlights the ongoing vulnerability of coastal regions to extreme weather, where saturated soil continues to pose risks even after rainfall ceases.
Government figures recorded a total of 564 evacuees following the intense rainfall [1]. As of 9 p.m. on Monday, approximately 240 people remained displaced and unable to return to their residences [1]. Some reports indicate the number of those unable to return is 248 [2].
The displacement is concentrated in the cities of Geoje and Tongyeong [1, 2]. Intense rainfall weakened the ground in these areas, prompting authorities to issue warnings regarding potential landslides, and mudflows [1, 2].
While the immediate weather threat has subsided, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant. The Korea Meteorological Administration cautioned against additional damage from landslides and soil runoff [1].
Recovery work has begun in the affected southern coastal regions. Local authorities are now coordinating the safe return of displaced residents as they assess the stability of the terrain [1, 2].
"Currently, all heavy rain special warnings for the south coast region have been lifted," Lee Hyun-jung of YTN said [1].
“564 evacuees recorded following the intense rainfall”
The gap between the lifting of weather warnings and the actual return of evacuees underscores the secondary danger of geological instability. Even when rain stops, saturated soil in coastal cities like Geoje and Tongyeong creates a high risk of landslides, meaning recovery is a slow process of safety verification rather than a simple return to homes.
