Population abandons homes and death toll rises

After heavy rains that caused flooding in South Korea, the government announced, this Saturday (15), that the population of the central region of Goesan had abandoned their homes. So far, 22 deaths and 14 missing have been recorded. The highest number of deaths was recorded in the North Gyeongsang region of the country.

There are more than 6,000 people at risk of dams in the region, many living in subsoils flooded by the volume of rain. Emergency teams claim that in the affected areas, houses were completely swept away by the current.

In addition, services and some bullet train routes were suspended due to threats of flooding, falling rocks and landslides on the lines.

_{Abandoned cars in a flooded area during heavy rains that hit Seoul, South Korea. (Photo: Reproduction/Yonhap/Reuters)}

South Korea’s future

Han Duck-soo, South Korean Prime Minister, asked local authorities to take preventive action and asked for help from the army in rescue operations. According to the Yonhap news agency, in Seoul there are 200,000 inhabitants underground, adding up to 5% of the local families in the capital. Precipitation surpassed 100 millimeters (mm) in just one hour in Dongjak district, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).

While in Gangnam district, a region also affected by the weather phenomenon, buildings and shops were flooded, without power. Cars, buses and subway stations were also submerged, trapping people.

The volume of rainfall was the highest recorded in the last 80 years. The accuracy of the South Korean meteorological agency is for continuity of rain, with some peaks of intense volume. At least 163 people are homeless and are staying in occupations such as schools and other public facilities, according to Yonhap.

The rains also affected public transport, as flooded railways forced service to be suspended. The country’s president, Yoon Suk-yeol, ordered the population to evacuate high-risk areas and ordered companies to flex their schedules for employees.

Featured photo: Heavy rains over the past three days have flooded several regions of the country. Reproduction/YONHAP/AFP