When Will Normal Life Return to Uiryeong After Devastating Floods?

Storm Hits Uiryeong
Did you know over 513 mm of rain fell in Uiryeong from July 16‐19, submerging half of Da-ui Village under water? More than 50 homes flooded and 961 ha of farmland were lost, while 150 000 quail and 12 840 ducks perished. Fire crews used boats to rescue trapped residents, and local officials have been working around the clock to assess the wreckage. The scale of damage is unlike anything seen before in South Gyeongsang Province.

Excluded from Special Designation
Surprisingly, Uiryeong was left out when the government declared nearby Sancheong and Hapcheon as special disaster zones on July 22. Local council members and the county office have been lobbying hard to extend the designation first to Da-ui Village, then to the entire county—so residents can receive tax deferrals, utility discounts, and reconstruction grants. Many shop owners expressed frustration on community blogs, asking when official support will finally arrive.

Community Spirit Alive
Despite the hardship, solidarity is thriving online and offline. Over 1 000 volunteers from more than 40 organizations have joined the cleanup, while local Naver and Tistory bloggers shared safety tips and heartfelt messages. One Tistory post described how village elders reopened their restaurants just two weeks after the floods, determined to keep serving neighbors. Another Naver blog offered step-by-step advice on preventing mold and electrical hazards in flooded homes.

Looking Ahead and How to Help
Uiryeong’s county office launched a ‘hometown love donation’ campaign aiming to raise ₩100 million by October’s end, and agricultural experts are providing emergency crop-recovery advice to melon and strawberry farmers. For overseas fans of Korean culture, this is a chance to learn about ‘jeong’—the deep bonds that drive community aid here. Can you imagine rallying behind a distant town? Every share of the online fundraiser and every message of support keeps hope alive until daily life can finally resume.