Landslide-like Incident in Geoje Leaves One Dead, Two Injured

An intense downpour during the Liberation Day holiday weekend led to a significant incident at an apartment complex in Geoje, Gyeongnam Province. The collapse of an artificial slope and retaining wall behind Building 104 resulted in soil and debris inundating the lower floors of eight residences. Tragically, a man in his 20s died after being buried in the mud, while a couple in their 50s sustained injuries.

While the event initially appeared to be a natural landslide caused by the heavy rain, forestry and administrative authorities have provisionally concluded that the collapse stemmed from the erosion of an artificial slope, also known as a 'beomyeon'. Investigations, including drone footage analysis, indicate the failure began on the man-made embankment within the apartment complex's property, rather than on the natural forest land adjacent to it. The land in question was designated as developed property in 1994.

This distinction is crucial for determining responsibility for the extensive damage. If the incident were classified as a natural landslide on public land, the government and local authorities would typically manage the recovery and restoration. However, as the collapse originated from a slope on private property, the responsibility for repairs, including rebuilding the retaining wall and restoring damaged apartment exteriors, is expected to fall on the apartment owners.

Residents have expressed concern and dismay, with some noting they were unaware the affected area was part of the apartment's private land. They argue that while the origin may be on private property, the magnitude of the disaster was a result of extreme weather, suggesting that placing the full burden on residents could be unfair.

In response to the widespread damage from the extreme rainfall, the Gyeongnam Provincial Government has officially requested the designation of Geoje and Tongyeong as special disaster areas. Such a designation would allow for additional national funding to aid in recovery efforts and provide further indirect support to affected residents, including potential deferrals on taxes and reductions in public utility fees.