Heavy rain lashes eastern South Korea, with warnings for landslides and flooding

Heavy downpours are drenching eastern 경기 and 강원 provinces on July 18, with some areas reporting rainfall rates of up to 50 millimeters per hour. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) issued heavy rain advisories for eastern 경기, 강원, and 충남 regions, noting that 강원 is seeing the most intense precipitation.

Since July 17, the 수도권 area has recorded between 30 to 200 millimeters of rain. Other regions, including 충청권 and 경북권, have received between 30 to 120 millimeters, while 전라권 and 경남권 have seen 10 to 60 millimeters. The rainfall pattern has shifted, with earlier heavy rain in Seoul and 대구·경북 now concentrated further east in 경기 and 강원.

As of July 18, heavy rain warnings are in effect for areas like 포천 in 경기 and 철원, 화천, 춘천, and 홍천 in 강원. Advisories are also active in eastern 경기, 강원 mountain areas, 영동, parts of 충남, and the cities of 대전 and 세종.

The KMA forecasts rain across the country until July 20, with a brief lull expected early on July 20. The agency warns that between July 18 and 19, central regions, 전북, and 경북권 could experience extremely heavy rainfall of 20 to 80 millimeters per hour, accompanied by strong winds, thunder, and lightning. The public is urged to exercise extreme caution regarding potential landslides and flooding in low-lying areas.