Record downpours trigger flood alerts nationwide; one missing in Gyeongbuk

Torrential downpours have battered South Korea, causing significant disruptions and damage. In Gyeongbuk province, a person in their 70s went missing on Sunday morning after being swept away by swollen waters in the Namwoncheon stream following intense rainfall. Rescue efforts are underway.

The Chungcheong region experienced record-breaking rainfall, with Sejong City seeing up to 81.5 mm per hour. This deluge led to widespread road flooding and property damage. Authorities dispatched over 100 disaster alert messages to inform the public about traffic controls and potential hazards. Several underpasses, including the Oseong underground passage in Cheongju, which was the site of a fatal accident in July 2023, were closed.

Schools in Cheongju, including Yong-a Elementary and Unho Middle and High Schools, suspended classes due to flooded buildings and grounds. Residents in areas prone to landslides and flooding were evacuated, with hundreds seeking safety in shelters. In Daejeon, two drivers were rescued after their vehicle became trapped in a flooded road early Sunday.

Further north, Seoul experienced heavy rains, leading to the closure of 29 rivers within the city and the suspension of ferry services at five of the eight Han River piers. In Gwanak-gu, Seoul, a flood alert was issued for Dorimcheon stream for the first time since the city's urban flood forecasting system was implemented. The heavy rain also caused disruptions to national transportation, with numerous KTX and regular train services delayed. Ferry services in several coastal areas were also suspended.