Thousands of people began leaving their homes in South Korea after at least 24 people lost their lives and dozens were reported missing amid flood-causing rain and landslides. Heavy rainfall in South Korea during the ongoing monsoon season has triggered widespread flooding and landslides.
South Korea floods: Most affected regions
Most of the casualties have been reported to be in the North Gyeongsang province.
In the most severely affected areas, “entire houses were swept away whole”, one emergency responder was quoted as saying by Yonhap agency.
South Korea floods: Goesan Dam surpasses capacity
Early on Saturday, the Goesan Dam reportedly surpassed its capacity following which more than 6,400 residents in the central Goesan county were being evacuated. Officials said that missing people were swept away when a river overflowed in the North Gyeongsang province.
South Korea floods: Rescue efforts battle difficult terrain
According to Yonhap, in Cheongju, North Chungcheong province, rescue workers were engaged in a difficult battle to reach dozens of cars trapped in an underground tunnel.
The water levels in the tunnel remained dangerously high, making it unclear how many individuals were still trapped inside their vehicles.
Death toll in South Korea flash floods likely to rise
Flash flooding occurred swiftly, preventing people from escaping in time, officials said.
Consequently, in response to this ongoing crisis, all regular train services throughout the nation were suspended as of 2 pm (0500 GMT). However, the KTX high-speed trains were still operational, albeit with potential adjustments to their schedules, as confirmed by the Korea Railroad Corporation.
The Korea Meteorological Administration issued warnings for heavy rain, predicting further precipitation until the upcoming Wednesday, stating that the weather poses “grave” danger.
