Seoul has received one of the heaviest rainfalls ever recorded in decades. It has resulted in flooding of the city’s infrastructure. The streets have been flooded with rainwater. The situation is such that the cars are floating on roads, and the excess water has reached the subway stations, flooding them as well. The rainfall has also caused the deaths of eight people. There are reports of seven people missing too as the city braces for more rain.
As the water has started to recede, the deserted streets can be seen strewn with buses and cars everywhere. Workers cleared away uprooted trees, debris and mud using excavators. They also cordoned off broken pavements and roads to prevent mishaps. Authorities issued landslide warnings in 50 cities in South Korea, and 160 trekking paths across Seoul and Gangwon were closed off.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared that the heavy rains are expected to continue for a few more days. Koreans should remain alert and respond to emergencies. The President also asked officials to issue proper warnings and take the necessary steps in landslide or flood-prone areas to avoid possible mishaps.
This is absolutely insane video in South Korea. Extreme flooding that hasn’t been seen in 80 years or more. Very extreme flooding, causing massive problems in Seoul and the entirety of the country. #SouthKorea #flooding #weather pic.twitter.com/88xOxVuN4B
— Michael Steinberg (@MichaelWX18) August 8, 2022
While the subway services resumed after the rain, most Seoul roads remained closed to the public. The spokesperson for the Defence Ministry stated that the military was prepared to send troops for recovery missions had the same been requested by the city or regional governments.
The heavy rainfall started on the morning of August 8, and became severe towards the evening. By nightfall, the roads were so flooded that people had to wade through thigh-high waters, and buses and cars were stuck in debris and mud. As the water went down the subway stairs, commuters evacuated the area, fearing for their safety. Meanwhile, in Seongnam, a hillside collapsed into a university’s soccer field after the rains.
According to the Ministry of Interior and Safety, about 800 buildings were damaged, and 790 people were evacuated. Moreover, the weather agency warned of further rain. They stated that precipitation might be 5–10 centimetres an hour, and the expected rainfall is 10 to 35 centimetres across the capital region till Thursday.
The Dongjak district of Seoul was most brutally hit, with a rainfall of 43 centimetres from Monday to Tuesday noon. Even North Korea experienced heavy rainfall, and the authorities issued warnings for the western and southern parts.
Source: The Economic Times
