Extreme Downpour in Geoje: Over 20 Isolated, Flooding Widespread

South Korea's southern coastal regions are grappling with severe flooding after extreme rainfall inundated Geoje and Tongyeong. The heavy downpours have led to significant damage, with over 20 residents in areas like Hoejin Village in Geoje becoming isolated due to rising waters. In Ajudong's Yesol Village, approximately 100 people were evacuated due to landslide risks.

The rainfall has been exceptionally intense. Since the 15th, Geoje and Tongyeong have recorded cumulative rainfall of 782.5 mm and 628.9 mm, respectively. Geoje, in particular, was hit by a staggering maximum hourly rainfall of 124.5 mm overnight. Other areas, including Busan's Gangseo-gu and Tongyeong, also experienced intense rainfall, with hourly rates nearing 100 mm – a level capable of causing vehicles to float on roads.

In response to the escalating crisis, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety elevated its disaster response to Level 1 of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters' emergency operations starting at 6 a.m. on the 17th. The Korea Meteorological Administration had forecast heavy rain, accompanied by strong winds, thunder, and lightning, at rates of 50 to 100 mm per hour for Busan and the southern coast of Gyeongnam until the morning of the 17th.