International Desk: South Korea has been experiencing heavy rain since July 9. The country’s Ministry of Interior and Security said at least 39 people were killed in the last two days (Friday and Saturday) in floods and landslides caused by the rains. The casualties were reported in the central and southeastern regions of the country. Reuters news agency
Most of the casualties, including 17 dead and nine missing from landslides and floods, occurred in North Gyeongsang Province. This area is hilly, hence prone to landslides. Besides, the dead bodies of 12 people trapped under a tunnel submerged by heavy rain have been recovered. A rescuer told South Korean news agency Yonhap that entire houses were swept away in the worst-hit areas. According to the Ministry of Security of the country, about 5,570 people have been evacuated to safe places due to the rain.
Thousands of people were told to flee their homes after the Goan Dam in North Chungcheong Province flooded early Saturday morning. local time until Saturday night. More than 4,200 people in Korea are staying in temporary shelters. Heavy rains have disrupted travel across the country. Around 20 flights have been canceled, and regular train services along with some bullet trains have been suspended.
Around 200 roads are also closed in the country. Meanwhile, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is visiting Ukraine, asked Prime Minister Han Dak-seo to take all measures to deal with the disaster. The prime minister urged officials to prevent river overflows and landslides and requested the defense ministry’s assistance in rescue operations. On the other hand, the Korea Meteorological Administration has issued a heavy rain warning.
More rain is forecast in the country until Wednesday next week, making the situation ‘critical’. During this period, South Korea was hit by regular floods. But the country is generally well prepared, and the death toll is relatively low. Last year also saw record-breaking rainfall and flooding in South Korea. As a result of which more than 11 people died.
