Seoul: Over the past three days, South Korea has been battered by heavy rains, leading to severe flooding and landslides that have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 22 lives, with 14 individuals still reported missing. The country, currently experiencing its summer monsoon season, has been grappling with relentless downpours and subsequent disasters, including the overflow of a major dam.

According to the interior ministry, the heavy rainfall has caused numerous casualties, with 16 fatalities and nine missing individuals predominantly concentrated in North Gyeongsang province. The mountainous terrain in the region experienced massive landslides that engulfed houses, leaving entire communities devastated.

Emergency responders describe the affected areas as witnessing houses being swept away entirely. In the central county of Goesan, more than 6,400 residents were urgently evacuated as the Goesan Dam reached its capacity, leading to the submersion of nearby villages located in low-lying areas.

The interior ministry also reported a distressing incident in Cheongju, North Chungcheong province, where rescue workers are diligently working to reach approximately 19 cars trapped in a 430-meter-long underground tunnel. One fatality has been confirmed, and nine people were rescued from a bus that was overwhelmed by flash flooding. The rapidly rising waters inside the tunnel prevented others from escaping, leaving the exact number of trapped individuals uncertain.

Local television broadcasts revealed the forceful torrent of water flowing into the tunnel after a nearby river burst its banks, impeding rescue operations. Tragically, the death toll is expected to rise as authorities across the country assess the extent of the damage caused by the widespread flooding and landslides.

To ensure public safety, regular train services throughout South Korea have been suspended, while adjustments may be made to the schedules of high-speed KTX trains. Road closures and the closure of trails in national parks have also been enforced due to the adverse weather conditions.

The Korea Meteorological Administration has issued warnings of continued heavy rain, extending until Wednesday of the following week, with authorities emphasizing the "grave" danger posed by the ongoing weather patterns. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has called for proactive measures to prevent river overflows and landslides, and has requested assistance from the defense ministry for ongoing rescue operations.

While South Korea is no stranger to flooding during the monsoon season, the country's preparedness efforts have historically kept the death toll relatively low. However, last year, the nation faced record-breaking rainfall and flooding, claiming the lives of more than 11 individuals. The tragedy notably included three people who were trapped in a basement apartment in Seoul, echoing the poignant narrative depicted in the Academy Award-winning film "Parasite." The government attributed the extreme weather events to climate change, proclaiming it to be the heaviest rainfall the city had witnessed in the past 115 years.