Torrential rain in South Korea has caused devastating landslides and floods, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 people and leaving another 14 missing. The majority of the fatalities occurred in the mountainous North Gyeongsang region, where houses were swept away by landslides. However, there are concerns that the death toll could rise as rescuers attempt to reach 19 cars submerged in a flooded underpass in North Chungcheong province. In addition, a major dam in the same region is overflowing, further exacerbating the situation.
Thousands of people have been affected by evacuation orders issued by local governments, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has requested military assistance in rescue efforts. The Goesan Dam in North Chungcheong began to overflow, leading to the evacuation of around 6,400 residents. Several low-lying villages and connecting roads have been submerged, trapping some residents in their homes.
The national rail operator, Korail, has suspended all slow trains and some bullet trains, with disruptions expected for other bullet train services. A train was derailed in North Chungcheong after a landslide deposited earth and sand onto the tracks. Fortunately, no passengers were on board at the time, but one engineer was injured.
The Korea Meteorological Administration has forecasted more rainfall until Wednesday of next week and has issued a warning about the “grave” danger posed by the weather conditions. This extreme rainfall is part of a larger pattern seen across several countries, including India, China, and Japan, over the past two weeks. Scientists attribute these events to a warming atmosphere caused by climate change, which increases the likelihood of extreme rainfall. As the atmosphere becomes warmer, it can hold more moisture, leading to more intense rainfall events.
The situation in South Korea highlights the urgent need for climate action to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events and protect vulnerable communities.
How has the torrential rain in South Korea impacted the transportation system, particularly the railway services, and what measures are being taken to mitigate the disruptions?
Torrential rain in South Korea has unleashed havoc, triggering devastating landslides and floods that have claimed the lives of at least 22 people, while another 14 remain missing. The lethal torrent primarily struck the mountainous North Gyeongsang region, where landslides swept away entire houses. However, an unsettling concern lingers as rescuers try to access 19 submerged cars in a flooded underpass in North Chungcheong province, heightening fears that the death toll may climb even higher. In addition, a significant dam in the same region has exceeded its capacity, further worsening the situation.
As a result of evacuation orders issued by local authorities, thousands of individuals have been affected, necessitating swift action from the military to aid in rescue efforts, as requested by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Concurrently, the Goesan Dam in North Chungcheong has overflowed, compelling approximately 6,400 residents to evacuate. Several low-lying villages and connecting roads have become submerged, leaving some residents trapped in their own homes.
To restore order, the national railway operator, Korail, has temporarily halted all slow trains and a selection of bullet trains, causing disruptions that are expected to impact other bullet train services as well. In North Chungcheong, a landslide covered the tracks with earth and sand, derailing a train. Fortuitously, no passengers were aboard during the incident, although one engineer suffered injuries.
The Korea Meteorological Administration has issued a warning regarding the “grave” peril posed by these weather conditions and predicts continued rainfall until the following Wednesday. The country now experiences a part of the larger weather pattern afflicting several nations, including India, China, and Japan, over the past two weeks. Scientists attribute these occurrences to climate change, which warms the atmosphere, allowing it to retain more moisture and subsequently intensifying rainfall events.
The dire circumstances in South Korea serve as a stark reminder of the pressing need for proactive climate action to combat the adverse effects of extreme weather events and safeguard vulnerable communities.
My heart goes out to all those affected by the devastating floods and landslides in South Korea. The rising death toll is truly heartbreaking. Grateful for the ongoing rescue efforts and hoping for everyone’s safety and well-being.