Torrential Rains Result in 32 Deaths and Over 10 Missing in South Korea
Torrential rains in South Korea have caused widespread flooding and landslides, leading to the deaths of at least 32 people and leaving more than 10 individuals missing. As a result of the heavy rainfall, thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the extensive damage caused by the rains.
According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, 26 people have been reported dead in the aftermath of the heavy rains that have been pounding the country since last week. At the time of reporting, 10 individuals were still missing.
Among the casualties, six bodies were recovered from a bus that was trapped in a flooded underground tunnel in the central town of Osong. The 685-meter-long underground roadway in Osong, North Chungcheong Province, was flooded when a nearby river overflowed after an embankment collapsed due to the rising water levels caused by heavy rain.
The region most affected by the torrential rains is the southeastern province of North Gyeongsang, where 17 people have died predominantly due to landslides and housing collapses. In addition, nine individuals are still missing. Another person is missing in Busan.
The heavy rains have also resulted in injuries, with 13 people reported as injured across the country. As of now, 7,540 individuals from 13 cities and provinces have evacuated their homes, with 5,933 of them still unable to return due to safety concerns.
The rains have caused significant damage, with a total of 226 public and private properties being affected. This includes 25 cases of destroyed or washed-away public roads, 25 instances of collapsed river embankments, and 33 flooded homes. In addition, 211 roads have been closed, and 10 public roads remain out of service at present.
The impact of the heavy rains has led to the suspension of all train operations in the country. However, some sections of the KTX bullet trains have resumed operations. Furthermore, 20 national parks across South Korea have been closed, and 12 flights were canceled on Sunday.
The weather agency has issued heavy rain warnings for southern inland areas of Gangwon Province, Chungcheong provinces, southern regions, and Jeju Island. Coastal regions of South Jeolla and South Gyeongsang provinces are predicted to experience heavy rains, with rates reaching up to 30 millimeters per hour.
The central Chungcheong provinces and the southern Jeolla and Gyeongsang provinces are expected to receive up to 300 mm of additional rain through Tuesday. The nation has also escalated landslide warnings, except on Jeju Island, to the highest level of grave.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has pledged swift government efforts to rescue those who are still missing. At a government response meeting, he stressed the importance of searching and rescuing those in need and instructed officials to prioritize the safety of the people.
In response to the disaster, the defense ministry has deployed 472 military personnel and 69 pieces of government equipment to support the ongoing rescue operations.
The situation remains critical as search and rescue operations continue in the affected areas. The government is committed to taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the people affected by the torrential rains.
