Officials raise disaster alert as record rainfall severely impacts communities, leading to major evacuations and tragic losses.
Devastating Rains in South Korea: Four Lives Lost and Thousands Evacuated
Devastating Rains in South Korea: Four Lives Lost and Thousands Evacuated
Torrential downpours trigger flood chaos across South Korea, prompting emergency evacuations and fatalities.
Four individuals lost their lives and over 1,300 residents have been forced to evacuate due to relentless rainstorms inundating South Korea. The unexpected deluge has prompted authorities to elevate the weather-related disaster alert to its maximum level. Among the deceased were two elderly men, with one tragically attempting to remove water from the basement of his home when the flood struck. Another victim was killed when a wall collapsed on his car while he was attempting to escape the rising waters; just moments prior, he had reached out to his wife to express his concerns about the vehicle being swept away. The fourth individual succumbed to cardiac arrest amidst the chaotic conditions.
Local officials have mobilized rescue teams, and as of Thursday afternoon, more than 1,300 individuals had been evacuated from their homes. Reports from residents detail harrowing experiences, as one individual remarked online that "everything is covered by water except the roof" of their house. Seosan, the city hardest hit, recorded a staggering 400mm of rain in just half a day, driving experts to characterize this weather phenomenon as a once-in-a-century occurrence.
Social media is filled with distressing images of submerged vehicles and homes, showcasing the full extent of the flooding. Kim Ha-min, a cafe owner in Gwangju, experienced the unprecedented flood firsthand, recounting her decision to close her business due to the water and overwhelming stench of sewage. "I've never seen a flood here before, since there is no stream or river in this neighborhood,” she expressed, reflecting the shock many are feeling throughout the regions impacted by the floods.
While reports indicate several injuries, including cases of hypothermia, authorities are urging residents to avoid areas near banks, steep slopes, and basements due to heightened risks of landslides and flash flooding. Meteorological experts indicate that the unusual rainfall stems from a collision of dry air from the northwest and humid air from the south, resulting in significant raincloud formation. Looking ahead, forecasters predict a return to high temperatures and potential heatwave conditions by next week.
Local officials have mobilized rescue teams, and as of Thursday afternoon, more than 1,300 individuals had been evacuated from their homes. Reports from residents detail harrowing experiences, as one individual remarked online that "everything is covered by water except the roof" of their house. Seosan, the city hardest hit, recorded a staggering 400mm of rain in just half a day, driving experts to characterize this weather phenomenon as a once-in-a-century occurrence.
Social media is filled with distressing images of submerged vehicles and homes, showcasing the full extent of the flooding. Kim Ha-min, a cafe owner in Gwangju, experienced the unprecedented flood firsthand, recounting her decision to close her business due to the water and overwhelming stench of sewage. "I've never seen a flood here before, since there is no stream or river in this neighborhood,” she expressed, reflecting the shock many are feeling throughout the regions impacted by the floods.
While reports indicate several injuries, including cases of hypothermia, authorities are urging residents to avoid areas near banks, steep slopes, and basements due to heightened risks of landslides and flash flooding. Meteorological experts indicate that the unusual rainfall stems from a collision of dry air from the northwest and humid air from the south, resulting in significant raincloud formation. Looking ahead, forecasters predict a return to high temperatures and potential heatwave conditions by next week.
