In South Korea, a relentless downpour of torrential rains has wreaked havoc, causing widespread devastation and claiming the lives of seven individuals. Additionally, three people remain missing, while seven others have sustained injuries. The disastrous weather conditions have led to the evacuation of thousands of residents, with authorities working diligently to ensure the safety of those affected. The Ministry of Interior and Safety reported that as of 11 a.m. (0200 GMT), a staggering 1,567 individuals had already been evacuated across the country.
Unfortunately, this number is expected to rise as water levels continue to rise and overtop the dam in North Chungcheong province. Local governments have issued evacuation orders to more than 7,000 individuals at different intervals, as per provincial authorities. One of the most concerning developments is the Goesan Dam, which is currently experiencing an influx of over 2,700 tonnes of water per second, the maximum capacity it can discharge. The continuous deluge has heightened fears of potential dam failure and subsequent flooding in the region.
The severe weather conditions have also severely impacted transportation systems. The Korea Railroad Corp has suspended all slow trains, and some bullet trains are facing delays due to compromised safety caused by landslides, track flooding, and falling debris. In a recent incident, a slow train derailed in North Chungcheong province when a landslide covered the tracks with earth and sand. Fortunately, no passengers were on board, but the engineer sustained injuries. In response to the escalating crisis, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo chaired a meeting with government agencies on Saturday, calling for the active involvement of the military in rescue operations.
The prime minister emphasized the urgent need to coordinate efforts between government officials and the military to mobilize essential equipment and manpower to aid in the ongoing rescue and relief activities. The unprecedented scale of the devastation caused by the unrelenting rains underscores the gravity of the situation. South Korean authorities are working tirelessly to mitigate further damage and ensure the safety of affected individuals. As the country grapples with the aftermath of this natural disaster, a collective effort involving government agencies, military personnel, and the resilience of the South Korean people will be crucial in overcoming the challenges posed by this catastrophic event.