Why are ‘extreme rainfall’ events becoming more frequent after early heatwaves?

There is clear climate change behind the recent increase in heavy rainfall. In particular, with the possibility of a strong El Niño phenomenon occurring in mid-2026, concerns about heavy rainfall are growing, especially in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. As global warming increases the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere, climate-crisis-type torrential rains, or extreme rainfall, which dump ‘water bombs’ on specific areas in a short period, are becoming commonplace. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, a is issued when more than 90mm of rain is expected within 3 hours or more than 180mm within 12 hours. It is a fact that extreme rainfall of over 100mm per hour, which used to occur once every few decades, is now happening almost every year.

Types of Fatal Damage Caused by Heavy Rainfall

Heavy rainfall pours down an enormous amount of rain in a short time, causing fatal damage in various forms. The main types of damage are as follows:

• Landslides and collapse of steep slopes: Short, intense heavy rainfall weakens the ground, significantly increasing the risk of landslides. In particular, as torrential rains exceeding 50mm per hour become more frequent, the number of landslides is rapidly increasing, and the Korea Forest Service emphasizes that resident evacuation is most important in reducing casualties.
• Urban flooding and underground space flooding: Localized torrential rains that existing drainage facilities cannot handle often lead to flooding of roads, houses, and commercial areas. Special attention is required for underground spaces such as underpasses and semi-basement houses, as they can quickly fill with water, leading to casualties.
• Damage to agricultural land and infrastructure: Agricultural land is submerged or washed away, and infrastructure such as roads and bridges are damaged, causing secondary damage such as traffic paralysis.

Heavy Rainfall Preparedness for Everyone’s Safety

Preparing for unpredictable heavy rainfall is no longer an option but a golden rule. The government and local authorities are operating a summer natural disaster countermeasure period, focusing on preemptive prevention and response. Gyeonggi Province has activated a disaster response system using advanced technologies such as AI and has granted evacuation orders to eup/myeon/dong heads to strengthen on-site response capabilities. It is also important for individuals and households to check and be familiar with the following in advance:

• : Check weather information frequently through TV, radio, internet, smartphones, etc., and set up emergency disaster text message reception.
• Pre-inspect vulnerable areas: Be prepared to move to a safe place from low-lying or habitually flooded areas, landslide risk areas, and underground spaces.
• Prepare emergency supplies: Prepare emergency supplies such as emergency food, drinking water, flashlights, and first-aid kits in advance.
• Caution when driving: When it rains, visibility is reduced and roads become slippery, so maintain a safe distance and reduce speed when driving.

Heavy rainfall is no longer a distant story. It is a realistic threat that can occur around us at any time. If we all remain vigilant and thoroughly prepare in line with the efforts of the government and local authorities, we can protect precious lives and property. Safety cannot be overemphasized.

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