At least 18 people have died and nine are missing after heavy rains swept across central and southern South Korea, officials said. The downpours, which began on July 16, triggered landslides, flash floods, and widespread damage, according to Al Jazeera.

Sancheong County was among the worst-hit areas, with 10 fatalities and four people still unaccounted for. Nearly 14,200 residents were forced to evacuate, while authorities reported extensive damage to homes and public infrastructure.

The military has deployed troops to aid recovery efforts, as rain alerts were lifted and heat wave warnings issued in parts of the south, Al Jazeera reported.