Indoor Air Quality Alert: South Korea Flooding

Indoor Air Quality Alert: South Korea Flooding
Share on WhatsAppShare on LinkedInShare on XShare on Facebook

What is the location of the flooding?

Since July 16, 2025, torrential rains have triggered widespread flooding and landslides across southern and central South Korea, particularly in Sancheong and Gapyeong (1). As of July 24, 23 people have died (2).

Sancheong, located near the central south coast, has seen up to 31 inches of rain, affecting areas near the Nakdong River. Gapyeong, northeast of Seoul, has been hit by landslides and flash floods, impacting streams and local campsites (3).

Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?

The flooding has directly impacted several regions, including:

Significant damage has been reported to homes, farmland, and infrastructure, with floodwaters submerging roads and buildings.

In Sancheong, strawberry greenhouses and livestock farms have been devastated, while Gapyeong has seen homes and campsites buried by landslides (4).

What is the current containment status of the flooding?

As of July 24, 2025, the heavy rainfall has subsided in most areas, and flood alerts have been lifted across South Korea (4).

Soldiers and heavy equipment are clearing debris and the government is focused on recovery efforts.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Over 14,000 people have been evacuated, with 2,730 still in shelters as of July 20, 2025.

In Sancheong, authorities advised all 33,000 residents to prepare for floods and landslides, while Gapyeong saw evacuations after a campsite was hit by a landslide.

The government has designated hard-hit areas as special disaster zones to provide financial and recovery support.

How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?

It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.

  • Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
  • Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
  • If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
  • Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
  • Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
  • Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
  • Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
  • Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
  • If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.

Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.

About IQAir
ABOUT IQAIRIQAir is a Swiss technology company that empowers individuals, organizations and governments to improve air quality through information and collaboration.
Newsletter

Receive the latest releases and tips, exclusive articles, in your inbox every week.

Read about our privacy policy

Featured product
HealthPro 250 | Room Air Purifier

Advanced air purification to remove pollution, dust, and odours effectively

Experience the HealthPro 250, the ultimate air purifier designed to provide exceptional particle and gas-phase filtration. Engineered to tackle allergens, dust, airborne viruses, bacteria, gases, and odours, ensuring thorough and comprehensive air purification. Perfectly suited for everyone including sensitive individuals, allergy sufferers, and pet owners, this advanced purifier is the ideal solution for healthy indoor air quality.

IQAir HealthPro 250 air purifier for smoke, allergens, and ultrafine particles
Featured product
IQAir FFP2 Face Mask
Particulate respirator mask

IQAir Mask redefines what wearing a protective FFP2 mask should feel like. Engineered to not only provide superior reduction for a wide range of airborne pollutants, but also designed to provide the most comfortable wearing experience ever. Valveless, all-day protection FFP2-certified air pollution mask filters 95% of particles down to 0.3 microns, PM2.5, PM1, PM10, and other common particulates.