One dead, hundreds evacuated as torrential rains and landslides batter South Korea

Heavy torrential rains sweeping across the southern regions of South Korea have triggered severe flooding and landslides, resulting in at least one fatality.

According to Yonhap News Agency , a powerful landslide struck a residential apartment building in Geoje, South Gyeongsang province, burying the first floor.

Rescue workers pulled three residents from the building, but one was later pronounced dead at a hospital. 

Emergency responders informed that dozen other residents also sustained injuries.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) reported that heavy rain warnings remain in effect, with cumulative rainfall nearing 800 millimeters in parts of the southern region since Saturday.

Authorities and the safety ministry have mobilized rescue operations for stranded residents, while approximately 100 people have been evacuated due to the high risk of additional landslides.

Around 100 residents in Geoje were being evacuated due to the risk of further landslides, while authorities were rescuing 20 residents stranded in the area, the safety ministry said in a statement on Monday.

As informed by officials, overflowing rivers and inundated roads have paralyzed traffic in parts of Geoje and nearby areas.

Roughly 65% to 70% of South Korea's landmass consists of steep hills and mountainous terrain, making slopes naturally prone to shifting when saturated with water

The vast majority of landslides occur during the summer months typically June to September, when the country is hit by heavy monsoon rains 'jangma' and seasonal typhoons.

In recent years, climate change has driven an increase in extreme, localized downpours where massive amounts of rain fall in very short periods, heavily destabilizing hillsides and urban retaining walls, and prompting widespread evacuations.