Central Heavy Rains Force 662 to Evacuate; Search Underway for Man Swept by Floodwaters

Torrential rains across South Korea's southern and central regions have led to the temporary evacuation of 662 residents and caused widespread damage to infrastructure and property. The downpours, particularly concentrated in the southern Gyeonggi Province, Chungcheong region, and North Jeolla Province, resulted in 256 reported cases of damage to public and private facilities.

While most heavy rain warnings have been lifted nationwide, the threat of additional rainfall remains for the Seoul metropolitan area and Gangwon Province, prompting continued emergency response efforts. The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters reported that as of 5 p.m. on August 9th, all nationwide flood advisories were lifted, but flood watches are still in effect for parts of Gyeonggi, Gangwon, and Incheon.

Flood warnings are active for the Geum River at the Cheongju point and the Nakdong River at the Mungyeong point, with flood advisories issued for three sections of the Geum River. The agricultural sector has also been impacted, with 13.4 hectares of crops damaged, primarily in South Chungcheong and North Gyeongsang provinces. The search continues for a man in his 70s who was swept away by a flash flood in Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with the severe weather.