South Korea flood death toll rises to 39, Yoon blames botched responses

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol vowed on Monday to “completely overhaul” the country’s approach to extreme weather from climate change, and blamed authorities’ failure to follow disaster response rules as the death toll from days of torrential rain grew to 39, including a dozen people found dead in a submerged underpass.

“This kind of extreme weather event will become commonplace – we must accept climate change is happening, and deal with it,” Yoon said, ahead of a visit to flood-hit North Gyeongsang province.

The idea that extreme weather linked to climate change “is an anomaly and can’t be helped needs to be completely overhauled”, he said, calling for “extraordinary determination” to improve the country’s preparedness and response.

South Korea will “mobilise all available resources” including the military and police to help with rescue efforts, he said.

“The rainy season is not over yet, and the forecast is now that there will be torrential rain again tomorrow,” he added.