Thousands Evacuated as Tropical Storm Khanun Hits South Korea and Japan

Tropical Storm Khanun Causes Evacuations and School Closures in South Korea

SEOUL/TOKYO, Aug 10 (Reuters) – South Korea authorities have evacuated over 10,000 people and closed schools in flood-hit areas as tropical storm Khanun sweeps over the peninsula. The storm, which was downgraded from a typhoon, made landfall on the southeast coast and is now heading towards the South Korean capital, Seoul.

There are concerns that Khanun could also strike North Korea’s capital, Pyongyang. State media in North Korea reported that the military and the ruling party have been ordered to prepare flood-mitigation measures and salvage crops.

In response to the storm, South Korea has cancelled 350 flights and 410 train routes. More than 10,000 people have been moved to safety, according to the interior ministry. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.

The storm has brought heavy rainfall to some east coast towns, with up to 60 mm (2.36 inches) of rain per hour. The southeastern port city of Busan experienced maximum wind speeds of 126 kilometers per hour (78 miles per hour), according to the weather agency.

As of 16:30 p.m. (0730 GMT), Khanun was passing South Korea’s central province of North Chungcheong, picking up speed as it moved northwards at 31 kph (19 mph) towards the greater Seoul area.

Residents in low-lying areas and those who rely on farming and fishing for their livelihoods are particularly concerned about the impact of the storm. Kim Wi-jeong, a 33-year-old office worker in Seoul, expressed her worries about the potential damage.

While most schools are closed for summer vacation, nearly half of those offering summer classes, about 1,600, have either closed or switched to remote learning due to the storm, according to the education ministry. Some schools in the eastern coastal province of Gangwon have been affected by floods and landslides.

The storm has compounded the difficulties faced by 37,000 youngsters attending the World Scout Jamboree. After enduring a heatwave last week, they were moved to safer accommodation on Tuesday as their campsite was in the path of the storm.

South Korea is still recovering from intense monsoon rain last month, which resulted in over 40 deaths, including 14 in a flooded tunnel.

Lee Hyun-ho, a professor of atmospheric science at Kongju National University, highlighted that Khanun is the first storm to pass directly over the Korean peninsula. He also noted that increasing sea surface temperatures have made the storm more powerful. Lee warned that with rising temperatures, stronger typhoons are likely to occur in the future.

Meanwhile, heavy rain continues to batter parts of western Japan, fueled by humid air from the storm. Some areas have received well above the normal rainfall for August, with one town recording 985 mm (38.78 inches) as of Thursday morning.

Another storm, Typhoon Lan, is approaching the Ogasawara Islands, about 1,000 km (621 miles) south of Tokyo. While the storm’s path remains uncertain, the Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that it could affect the Tokyo area by the end of the weekend.

The bad weather comes during Obon, Japan’s main summer holiday, when many people leave big cities to return to their hometowns.

Typhoon Khanun has brought heavy rain to southern regions of Japan and continues to head towards South Korea, where it could make landfall on Thursday.

Reporting by Elaine Lies in Tokyo and Hyunsu Yim, Hyonhee Shin, and Minwoo Park in Seoul; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Ed Davies, and Simon Cameron-Moore

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

How is South Korea’s Ministry of Education prioritizing the safety of students and staff during the storm?

G due to the storm. The Ministry of Education has urged schools to prioritize the safety of students and staff.

The heavy rainfall has also caused landslides and floods in some regions. Local authorities have been working to evacuate residents living in areas at high risk of flooding. Emergency response teams, including firefighters and police, have been deployed to provide assistance and ensure the safety of the affected population.

In addition to the evacuation efforts, South Korea has taken proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the storm. The cancelation of flights and train routes aims to prevent potential accidents or disruptions caused by the severe weather conditions. The government has also urged the public to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel to ensure their safety.

Meanwhile, North Korea, which shares a border with South Korea, is also bracing for the impact of Khanun. The country’s state media reported that comprehensive flood-mitigation measures are being implemented, and efforts are underway to salvage crops that could be damaged by the storm.

The storm has already brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to parts of South Korea. The city of Busan experienced wind speeds of up to 126 kilometers per hour, and some towns along the east coast have received significant rainfall.

As Khanun continues to move northwards, reaching South Korea’s central province of North Chungcheong, concerns are growing about its potential impact on the greater Seoul area. Residents in low-lying areas and those who rely on farming and fishing are particularly worried about the potential damage to their livelihoods.

While no casualties have been reported so far, the authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working to ensure the safety of the population. As the storm progresses, it is crucial for residents to follow the guidance of local authorities and stay updated on the latest weather advisories.