Daejeon, South Chungcheong Hit by Heavy Rain; Residents Evacuated Amid Flood and Landslide Risks

Daejeon and the surrounding South Chungcheong Province are grappling with extensive damage after receiving more than 230 millimeters of torrential rain. The downpours have triggered flooding, raised concerns about potential collapses and landslides, and forced the temporary evacuation of residents.

As of 7 a.m. on the 9th, Daejeon city had received 47 reports of rain-related damage, including fallen trees, dislodged manhole covers, soil erosion, poor drainage, and concerns about river overflows. While no casualties have been reported, the heavy rain has led to significant disruptions. Fifteen roads, including an entrance to the Cheonbyeon Expressway, are currently closed due to flooding and debris.

In South Chungcheong Province, 69 flood damage reports were filed by 7:30 a.m., primarily involving fallen trees on roads and flooded residential yards. In Gongju's Banpo-myeon, continuous reports of water entering homes necessitated drainage operations. Agricultural facilities, particularly greenhouses in Buyeo County growing melons, suffered an estimated 4.75 hectares of flood damage. In total, 188 residents were temporarily evacuated to designated shelters across the province.

Authorities issued a disaster alert for Asan, warning of potential collapse at the Yongdu ecological tunnel. Flood advisories are in effect for the Seokseongcheon and Noseongcheon rivers in Nonsan and the Gokgyocheon river in Asan. Landslide risks are high throughout Daejeon and parts of South Chungcheong, with landslide warnings issued for Gongju and Seocheon, and advisories for Yuseong-gu in Daejeon, Gyeryong, Geumsan, Cheonan, Nonsan, and Buyeo. Residents are urged to avoid areas near forests and steep slopes.

Heavy rainfall is expected to continue, with forecasts predicting intense downpours of 30-50mm per hour through the afternoon, followed by 20-30mm per hour later in the day. The cumulative rainfall has already exceeded 200mm in many parts of the Chungcheong region, with areas like Gyeryong recording 233.0mm and Daejeon (Jang-dong) 222.5mm.