Record rainfall is anticipated to persist across various regions of South Korea until Monday, prompting new warnings for public safety. The nation has faced a relentless onslaught of torrential rains, with reports indicating that four fatalities have been confirmed and at least two individuals remain unaccounted for. As the intense weather continues for a fourth consecutive day, officials are grappling with the consequences of rising floodwaters that have displaced thousands and impacted local agriculture.
As of Saturday, authorities cautioned that an additional 250 millimeters (approximately 9.8 inches) of rain could accumulate within the day, raising alarms about potential further casualties and infrastructural damage. According to the country’s official Yonhap news agency, South Korea’s weather service has issued alerts for significant risks including landslides and flooding, with most areas under advisory.
The recent spate of rainfall has left more than 2,800 individuals unable to return to their homes from a total of over 7,000 evacuees, as reported by the Ministry of Interior. Since Wednesday, South Chungcheong province has recorded an unprecedented 500 millimeters (nearly 20 inches) of rain, significantly exceeding the normal annual average for many locales.
Local media noted that within a mere four days, certain provinces have experienced rainfall equating to a staggering 40 percent of their entire annual average, showcasing the severity of the weather. Images from impacted areas depict local residents confronting significant challenges, such as a man found deceased in his vehicle during a cardiac event amid the inundation. A victim in his 80s tragically lost his life in a flooded basement, and another individual succumbed when a retaining wall collapsed onto a passing vehicle. Search efforts continue for two missing persons in the southwestern city of Gwangju.
Agricultural communities have not been spared, as cattle have been observed struggling to remain above water with their shelters flooded. Reports indicate that there have been 729 instances of damage to public infrastructure, including inundated roadways and collapsed river facilities. Furthermore, over 1,000 cases of private property damage have been logged, with significant losses in farmland and buildings.
Rains are also anticipated to affect neighboring North Korea. In July 2024, South Korea experienced a similar weather crisis, resulting in at least four fatalities and profound travel disruptions. As the country deals with the ongoing challenges posed by these extreme weather conditions, the resilience of South Korean communities will be put to the test, and recovery efforts will be crucial in the days to come.
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