Torrential rainfall across the nation has triggered a wave of property damage and forced emergency evacuations, with hundreds of incidents reported. As of the latest update, no fatalities have been confirmed, but the extensive damage underscores the severity of the ongoing weather event.
Nationwide Property Damage Totals Over 500 Incidents
By 10 AM on the 18th, a total of 540 cases of property damage were recorded nationwide. These incidents include homes and roads being inundated by floodwaters, landslides, falling rocks, and submerged trees. Specifically, 148 cases involved homes and roads being flooded, prompting immediate assistance and recovery efforts. An additional 392 cases comprised landslides, falling rocks, and other soil-related damage, for which safety measures are currently being implemented.
The heavy rains have led to significant disruptions, with some residents forced to evacuate their homes as a precautionary measure due to the risk of landslides, house flooding, and retaining wall collapses. This proactive evacuation highlights the serious threat posed by the extreme weather.
Thousands Evacuated, Many Still Displaced
As of midnight, a total of 95 individuals from 44 households across six cities and provinces, and 13 cities and counties, had been evacuated. While 15 people from seven households have since returned to their homes, 80 individuals from 37 households remain displaced. The government and local authorities are providing temporary and emergency support, including essential supplies and relief kits, to 71 individuals from 30 households currently staying in temporary shelters such as community centers and private accommodations.
Emergency Response and Support Measures
Emergency response teams are actively working to provide aid and ensure the safety of affected populations. The provision of temporary shelters and essential supplies is a top priority, aiming to mitigate the immediate hardships faced by those displaced by the floods and landslides.
Transportation and Infrastructure Severely Impacted
The severe weather has also led to widespread closures and disruptions of major transportation routes, including roads and railways. In Paju, Gyeonggi Province, National Route 37 was submerged, halting vehicle traffic. In Yeongwol, Gangwon Province, National Route 31 experienced a rockslide, forcing vehicles to detour.
Railway services have also been affected. The Gyeongwon Line between Yeoncheon and Jeongok experienced partial suspension of operations due to the adverse conditions. Maritime transport has not been spared, with strong sea winds and high waves causing the cancellation of seven passenger ferry routes. These include services operating between Incheon and Baengnyeong, and Baengnyeong and Sochong, impacting travel for many.
Access to National Parks and Recreational Areas Restricted
In anticipation of the summer holiday season, access to popular destinations such as national parks and mountain streams has been restricted. To ensure public safety, entry and exit have been controlled at numerous hiking trails across the country. Notably, 275 hiking trails in 10 national parks are currently inaccessible, including 97 in Bukhansan, 42 in Palgongsan, 24 in Woraksan, 20 in Gyeryongsan, 16 in Seoraksan, and 14 in Chiaksan.
Preventative Closures of High-Risk Areas
In a bid to prevent further casualties from sudden downpours and potential flash floods, authorities have also closed off numerous facilities and high-risk areas. This includes 5,910 riverside hiking trails (across 318 rivers), one underground parking lot, 21 underpasses, 81 elevated walkways, and 105 under-construction parking lots, totaling 6,554 locations nationwide. These closures are a critical part of the preventative strategy to manage the risks associated with the extreme weather.
Government Mobilizes Resources for Disaster Management
Central and local governments have mobilized significant resources to manage the ongoing disaster. A total of 9,283 personnel have been deployed across four cities and provinces for emergency duty. Disaster warning messages have been disseminated 191 times through various channels, including 407 public display screens and 135,357 SMS messages, to keep the public informed about safety measures and potential risks.
Officials are prioritizing the management of the situation, with particular focus on areas prone to landslides and sudden geological shifts. Approximately 2,776 locations identified as high-risk for potential casualties are under close surveillance and control. This proactive approach aims to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens affected by the severe weather conditions.
