Deadly Flooding in South Korea Claims 22 Lives as Heavy Rainfall Persists

South Korea is grappling with severe flooding that has resulted in the loss of at least 22 lives, with central regions bearing the brunt of relentless torrential rainfall. The continuous downpours over the past three days have triggered landslides and caused a major dam in the central North Chungcheong province to overflow. The heavy rain has submerged roads, swept away cars, and disrupted railway services. The highest number of casualties has been reported in the North Gyeongsang province.

In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has called upon the military to assist in rescue operations. The situation remains critical, as numerous cars have been submerged in an underground tunnel in the central Chungcheong province, raising concerns about a potential increase in fatalities.

Evacuation orders have been issued by local authorities, affecting thousands of people. Over 6,000 residents were evacuated after the Goesan Dam reached its capacity and began to overflow. Low-lying villages near the dam, along with the connecting roads, have been submerged, leaving some residents trapped in their homes.

The Korea Meteorological Administration has issued a forecast warning of additional rainfall in the coming days. The agency emphasizes the grave danger posed by the ongoing weather conditions.

The South Korean government, in collaboration with the military and emergency response teams, continues its efforts to rescue affected individuals and provide necessary support to those in distress. The focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected communities as they contend with the devastating impact of the floods.