South Korea: Typhoon Tapah causes damages and disruption in southern regions September 22-23 /update 1

Event

Typhoon Tapah affected Jeju Island and South Korea's southern regions on Sunday, September 22, leaving 30 people injured. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the typhoon traveled northeastward from Jeju Island at a speed of 35 kph (21 mph), with wind gusts of 126 kph (78 mph) on Sunday afternoon (local time). The storm did not make landfall on the peninsula as it moved northeast and weakened to an extra-tropical storm in the morning on Monday September 23.

At least 60 roads have been flooded across the impacted regions and an estimated 27,790 houses suffered power outages. Around 248 flights operating at 11 airports across the country, as well as at least 100 ferry routes, were canceled on Sunday. All flights resumed operations on Monday. The government is, however, still regulating some areas and over 40 ferry routes remain suspended until further notice. Recovery work is under way across the country.

Context

Typhoons and tropical cyclones are common in the west Pacific from June through November.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.