South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol has blamed authorities for their botched responses as the death toll from recent floods rises to 40. The torrential rain, which has been pounding central and southern regions since Thursday, has resulted in widespread devastation. The intense rainfall caused a river levee to collapse, flooding a tunnel in Cheongju and leading to the deaths of 12 people. Furthermore, nine people are reported missing, and 34 others have been injured across the country.
The incident in Cheongju has raised concerns about South Korea’s ability to prevent and respond to flood damage effectively. Some drivers who frequently use the road have criticized the government for not closing off access to the underpass, even though floods were predicted.
President Yoon, who recently returned from an overseas trip, addressed the issue by convening a disaster response meeting. He acknowledged that poor management of vulnerable areas had worsened the situation. President Yoon emphasized the importance of access control over dangerous areas and preemptive evacuation, stating that without adhering to these basic principles of disaster response, public safety cannot be ensured.
The rescue operation in the flooded tunnel involved nearly 900 fire, police, and military officials, who utilized boats, underwater drones, and other equipment. Seo Jeong-il, the fire chief in west Cheongju, stated that there were no signs of further victims inside the remaining vehicles in the tunnel.
The recent floods and subsequent deaths highlight the increasing severity of weather patterns in South Korea during the rainy season. Last year, Seoul experienced the heaviest downpours in 115 years, resulting in significant damage and casualties. As a response, the government pledged to take measures to better cope with climate change-induced disasters.
President Yoon flew over the devastated areas in a helicopter to assess the situation. He urged maximum effort in rescuing any remaining victims and promised support for those affected by designating the flood-hit areas as special disaster zones. Yoon assured residents that the government would restore everything and asked them not to worry excessively.
The extent of the damage caused by the floods in North Korea is still unclear. However, recent reports from the state media have highlighted heavy rainfall and measures taken to protect crops in a country that has already faced severe food shortages. The South’s Unification Ministry has requested that Pyongyang inform Seoul of any plans to release water from its Hwanggang Dam. In 2009, the release of water from the dam led to downstream flooding that resulted in the deaths of six South Koreans.
As South Korea continues to deal with the aftermath of the devastating floods, it is essential to address the shortcomings in disaster response and focus on preventative measures. Climate change-induced disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, making it imperative for governments to prioritize comprehensive and effective strategies to mitigate damages and ensure public safety.
