The death toll from the devastating floods in South Korea has risen to 39, as President Yoon Suk Yeol blames the authorities’ botched responses for the tragedy. Heavy rain has been pounding the central and southern regions of the country since Thursday, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The interior ministry has also reported nine people missing and 34 injured across the nation.
One of the most tragic incidents occurred in the central city of Cheongju, where a flash flood submerged a tunnel, resulting in the deaths of 12 people, including three whose bodies were recovered overnight. The flash flood was caused by the collapse of a river levee, which caused 16 vehicles, including a bus, to be swamped by water. Nine others were also injured in the incident. The government’s handling of the situation has come under scrutiny, with some drivers blaming the authorities for failing to close off the underpass despite widespread forecasts of flooding.
Flood-related deaths have become increasingly common in South Korea during the rainy season, as extreme weather patterns become more frequent. Last year, the heaviest downpours in 115 years hit Seoul, causing extensive damage and claiming the lives of at least 14 people. As a result, the government pledged to take measures to better cope with climate change-induced disasters.
President Yoon, who has just returned from an overseas trip, convened a meeting on disaster response and acknowledged that poor management of vulnerable areas had exacerbated the situation. He emphasized the importance of access control and preemptive evacuation and called on the authorities to make every effort to rescue victims. He also pledged support for recovery work and the affected families, including designating the flood-hit areas as special disaster zones.
The South Korean government’s botched responses to the flood crisis have raised concerns over its ability to prevent and respond to such disasters effectively. It is imperative that authorities prioritize the safety of citizens and take immediate action to address the challenges posed by extreme weather events.
In conclusion, the death toll from the floods in South Korea has risen to 39, with President Yoon blaming the authorities’ failure to follow disaster response rules for the tragic outcome. The situation highlights the urgent need for better management and preparation to prevent and mitigate the impact of climate change-induced disasters. The government must prioritize the safety of its citizens and take swift action to ensure their protection in the face of such extreme weather events.
