Catastrophic downpour in South Korea leaves four deceased and over a thousand residents displaced
Heavy Rain Causes Devastation in South Korea
South Korea is reeling from the impact of heavy rain that has caused widespread destruction and loss of life over the past two days. According to official statements, at least four people have died as a result of the rain, with several injuries reported across the affected regions.
The hardest hit area has been South Chungcheong Province, particularly the city of Seosan, which recorded its highest-ever hourly rainfall rate since records began in 1904: 114.9 mm (4.52 inches) per hour on July 17. Seosan received a total of 420 mm (16.5 inches) of rain over the two days, leading to extensive flooding.
Gyeonggi Province was also severely affected, with cities such as Osan, Pyeongtaek, and Hwaseong receiving more than 80 mm of rain per hour and suffering collapsed infrastructure and crushed vehicles. Cheongyang-gun in South Chungcheong Province reported injuries due to landslides caused by the heavy rain.
More than 1,300 people were forced to evacuate from their homes due to the flooding, according to the Interior and Safety Ministry. Earlier reports cited over 1,000 evacuations in affected areas. 46 flights were cancelled at airports due to the severe weather, and public transportation and roads were disrupted, with widespread flooding and landslides complicating rescue and evacuation efforts.
Emergency crews and first responders were active in both rescue and evacuation operations across the affected provinces. The national weather agency warned that up to 300 mm or more of additional rain could affect not only the Chungcheong area but also other southern provinces through Saturday, raising concerns of further flooding and damage.
The disaster is ongoing, with more rain forecast for the coming days and authorities urging continued vigilance. Another person was found with no heartbeat in a flooded car in Seosan, and heavy rain warnings were issued in Gwangju, 267 km south of Seoul. The Korea Meteorological Administration has issued a forecast for more wet weather in South Korea, adding to the concerns of the affected communities.
| Aspect | Details | |--------|---------| | Deaths | At least 4 confirmed, several injuries, fatalities in Osan, Seosan, and flooded southern regions [2][3][4] | | Evacuations | Over 1,300 people evacuated; 46 flights cancelled [2] | | Main Areas | South Chungcheong Province (especially Seosan, Cheongyang-gun), Gyeonggi Province (Osan, Pyeongtaek, Hwaseong) [1][3][4] | | Rainfall | Seosan: 114.9 mm/hr (record), 420 mm total; Gyeonggi cities: >80 mm/hr [1][3][4] | | Other Impact | Landslides, collapsed infrastructure, widespread flooding, disrupted transportation [4][5] |
- The heavy rain causing devastation in South Korea has also impacted the education sector, with schools in affected areas suspended due to the dangerous conditions.
- In an unfortunate twist, a local news report highlighted a car-accident caused by the heavy rain in Seoul, adding to the list of accidents in the region.
- Amidst the general-news of the calamity, the entertainment industry has taken a hit as well, with multiple music events postponed or cancelled.
- Health concerns are rising as well, with health officials warning of potential food and waterborne diseases due to the flooding, urging the public to take extra precautions.
- As the business community tries to resume operations, the weather forecast predicting more heavy rain in the upcoming days is causing uncertainty and potential disruptions to the economy.
