Torrential rains in South Korea have led to severe flooding, causing at least 37 deaths and leaving nine people missing. The most tragic incident occurred in a tunnel near Cheongiu, where nine bodies were recovered from vehicles trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters. The floodwater entered the underpass so quickly that passengers and drivers could not escape. - It is still unclear how many people are trapped in the 685-meter-long tunnel in Osong, but it is estimated that 15 vehicles are submerged.
- The victims' families have criticized local authorities for their ineffective response, as warnings about alarming water levels were issued hours before the tragedy, which could have allowed time to close the tunnel and divert traffic.
- Most other fatalities occurred in the mountainous North Gyeongsang region, where landslides swept away entire houses.
- Almost 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rain fell across South Korea on Saturday, a significant amount given the country's annual rainfall is typically between 1,000 mm (39.4 inches) and 1,800 mm (70.9 inches).
- Thousands of people have been affected by evacuation orders, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has called on the military to assist with rescue efforts.
The Korea Meteorological Administration has forecasted more rainfall through Wednesday next week, warning that the weather conditions pose a "grave" danger. |
