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Compound disasters: Heatwaves after downpours now 5 times more frequent in Korea

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Extreme compound weather disasters, such as heatwaves following heavy rainfall, have increased fivefold recently, according to a new analysis.
  • A study comparing recent years to a 30-year average found a threefold increase in the intensity of these combined events.
  • Experts urge the development of new systems to prepare for these increasingly frequent and severe compound disasters, driven by climate change.

South Korea is experiencing a dramatic surge in extreme compound weather events, with heatwaves following heavy downpours now occurring five times more frequently than in the past. A recent analysis reveals that the intensity of these combined disasters has nearly tripled over the last four years compared to the previous 30-year period.

The frequency of severe compound weather disasters, such as heatwaves following heavy rainfall, has increased fivefold recently.

— GreenpeaceThe environmental organization cited the findings of a study on compound weather disasters in South Korea.

The study, conducted by Professor Kim Hyung-jun's team at KAIST for Greenpeace, highlights a significant shift in weather patterns. The "Compound Intensity Index (CI28)," which combines extreme precipitation and maximum temperatures, showed a median increase from 0.55 over 30 years to 1.65 in the recent four-year span. This rise in the median indicates a general increase in disaster intensity, not just isolated extreme days.

Researchers found that days with the most extreme compound events have also multiplied. The frequency of days in the top 1% of intensity increased by nearly fivefold, from 1.1 days per year to 5.2 days. This pattern is particularly pronounced in regions like Chungcheongbuk-do, Gangwon, and Jeju.

The intensity of these extreme compound disasters has increased significantly, with the frequency of the most extreme days growing by nearly fivefold.

— Kim Hyung-junProfessor Kim Hyung-jun of KAIST, who led the research team, explained the findings of the 'Compound Disaster Risk Change in Korea' report.

The study explains that in monsoon climates like Korea's, a single atmospheric circulation system can rapidly transition from causing heavy rain to triggering heatwaves. This suggests that heavy rainfall and heatwaves are not independent events but sequential consequences of the same atmospheric shifts, exacerbated by global warming. Experts emphasize the urgent need for new disaster preparedness frameworks that account for the scale and frequency of these compound events.

A system that responds to a single disaster like heavy rain or heatwaves cannot prepare for compound disasters. A new preparedness system considering the scale and frequency of compound disasters must be built.

— Kang Sung-wonKang Sung-won, a campaigner for Greenpeace, stressed the need for updated disaster response strategies.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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