President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea has orchestrated a large-scale search and rescue-mission in response to fatal flooding caused by torrential downpours. In the midst of an annual monsoon season, South Korea has been hit with widespread flooding since July 9th, causing massive landslides, flash floods, and electricity outages for weeks. As the rain continue, the number of displaced people is estimated at 10,570 and counting.
Recovery work has been focused in the central and southern regions of the country. The largest search and rescue-mission thus far occurred on July 16th in response to an overpass tunnel that flooded within minutes, causing thirteen casualties and nine survivors. President Yoon publicly announced this drastic change in weather should be expected as the new norm, stating these extreme weather events are linked to worsening climate change conditions.
By Maya Yorks