South Korea was hit by deadly floods and landslides, resulting in seven deaths and 1,000 evacuations

Torrential rains in South Korea have resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, with three others missing and seven injured. The severe weather conditions have caused landslides and the overflow of a dam, leading to the evacuation of thousands of people. As of 11 a.m., 1,567 individuals had already been evacuated across the country, and this number may increase as the dam in North Chungcheong province continues to be overwhelmed by water.

Local authorities have issued evacuation orders for over 7,000 people at various times to ensure their safety. The Goesan Dam, which has reached its maximum capacity, is currently experiencing a flow rate of over 2,700 metric tonnes of water per second.

To ensure the safety of passengers, Korea Railroad Corp. has suspended all slow trains, and some bullet trains are also affected. Landslides, track flooding, and falling rocks pose risks to train operations, potentially causing delays. In a recent incident, a slow train derailed in North Chungcheong province on Friday night due to a landslide that covered the tracks with soil and sand. Fortunately, only the train’s engineer sustained injuries, as there were no passengers on board.

During a meeting with government agencies, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo emphasised the need for active military involvement in rescue operations. The prime minister urged collaboration between government officials and the military to mobilise equipment and manpower effectively. He called for proactive measures in addressing river overflows and landslides, urging officials to take preemptive action. He also sought assistance from the defence ministry to support rescue operations.

The situation remains critical as heavy rainfall persists. Authorities will continue to monitor the dam’s condition and take necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population.