Seoul, South Korea
CNN
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Record torrential rains flooded homes, roads and subway stations In Seoul, South Korea, it has killed at least nine people this week, as forecasters warned of more rain to come.
Torrential rain eased on Wednesday, but areas that were already flooded could see an additional 300 millimeters (11.8 inches) of rain through Thursday, which could cause more flooding and mudslides, forecasters warned.
Three of the dead were trapped in a flooded semi-basement, according to South Korea’s Ministry of Interior and Security. The ministry said 17 people were injured and at least seven missing.
On Tuesday, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that two Chinese citizens were killed. One died in a landslide at a dormitory in Hwaseong, south of Seoul, and the other was electrocuted during outdoor construction work during a storm.
More than 500 people have been evacuated since heavy rain Monday night in Seoul, where the ministry provided tents, blankets and other relief items. Meanwhile, authorities are starting cleanup and rescue services, where the fire department rescued 145 people on Wednesday.
According to the security ministry, about 2,800 structures were damaged, including homes, shops, retaining walls and other pieces of infrastructure, but most had been repaired as of Wednesday morning.
As of Tuesday night, up to 497 millimeters (19.6 inches) of rain fell in parts of Seoul. At one point, the city recorded 141.5 millimeters (5.6 inches) of rain per hour—the highest rate since authorities began keeping records in 1907.
Photos from across the city during Monday’s flash flooding show people walking in water on the roads up to their calves.
In parts of Seoul, sewers backed up, sending water back to streets and subway stations, according to the Seoul Subway. Some stations were closed due to flooding, lines were temporarily suspended Monday night.
Footage of the events shows debris and debris scattered across the streets, shopkeepers trying to salvage their goods, crumbling pavement pieces, and damaged vehicles dragged by flood waters.
Some areas south of the Han River were worst affected, including the wealthy, modern Gangnam district, where some buildings and shops were flooded and lost power.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol He sent his condolences to the victims, saying he would investigate the crime scene on Tuesday and work to prevent further damage.
He also pointed out that the country’s disaster management system needs to be reviewed, as extreme weather conditions are expected to become increasingly common due to the climate crisis.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, many countries in East Asia are currently experiencing more intense daily rainfall, and summer monsoons are expected to become stronger and more unpredictable as the Earth warms.
More heavy rain will continue into Thursday morning before it ends Thursday afternoon, according to CNN meteorologists.
Seoul typically receives an average of 348 millimeters (13.7 inches) of rain in August, the wettest month of the year. Few places recorded this much precipitation in just one day.
Pieces Japan There were also torrential downpours on Monday night, when parts of Hokkaido reported flooding – but as of Tuesday, there were no injuries. Authorities warned of the risk of flash floods and landslides.
