South Korea's South Coast Hit by 'Water Bomb': Homes Flooded, Over 100 Evacuated

Southern coastal areas of South Korea, including Geoje and Tongyeong, are experiencing significant damage from torrential downpours, with Geoje receiving 782.5 mm of rain over four days. The heavy rainfall has led to widespread flooding of homes and roads, prompting the temporary evacuation of over 100 residents.

As of Saturday morning, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters reported 603 incidents related to the heavy rain. These include 332 instances of road blockages, 208 flooded homes, and 33 cases of fallen trees, among other damages. Gyeongnam province reported the highest number of incidents with 555, followed by Busan and other southern regions.

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The government will do its utmost to protect the lives of the people in cooperation with relevant agencies until the heavy rain stops and the damage recovery is completed.

Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries have been reported thus far. However, 131 people were evacuated from their homes in Geoje, Changwon, and parts of Busan due to concerns about potential landslides and flooding. In Geoje alone, 154 fire rescue operations were conducted related to evacuations and people stranded.

Authorities have also implemented access restrictions to 826 sections of rivers and 299 areas within national parks, including Geumjeongsan. Ferry services between Ulleung and Dokdo were suspended, though flights remain operational. The heavy rainfall, with peak hourly rates exceeding 120 mm in Geoje, is forecast to continue in some southern regions.

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We ask the public to refrain from approaching dangerous areas such as landslide-prone areas, valleys, riverbanks, and coastal areas.