11 Aug 2022 | 09:34 AM UTC
South Korea: Recovery efforts ongoing following flooding in much of the country as of Aug. 11. /update 2
Recovery efforts ongoing following flooding in much of South Korea, as of Aug. 11. Casualties, damage reported. Additional rain forecast.
Event
Recovery efforts are ongoing in northern, central, and southern South Korea as of Aug. 11 after heavy rainfall since Aug. 8 triggered flooding. Seoul and Incheon cities as well as Gyeonggi Province were the worst hit. Flooding caused road transport and subway service disruptions and triggered power outages.
Latest reports indicate seven fatalities in Seoul, three fatalities in Gyeonggi Province, and two fatalities in Gangwon Province; the death toll is likely to rise as recovery operations progress. At least eight people are still missing. Floodwaters have damaged at least 3,775 buildings across northern South Korea, mostly in Seoul. More than 980 people from 548 households have been displaced, mostly in Seoul and its surroundings. Officials have also temporarily evacuated another 4,297 people from 2,042 households across the country. As of early Aug. 10, most highways and subway lines have resumed services, including the Seoul Subway Line and Dongbu, Olympic and Gangbyeon Northern expressways.
Heavy rain over Chungcheong Province Aug. 11 resulted in damage to more than 180 structures. Reports indicate significant damage and flooded roads in North Jeolla Province, especially in Gunsan City. Landslide warnings are in place over North Jeolla and North Gyeongsang provinces.
Further heavy rainfall is forecast across most of the country through at least Aug. 12. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has issued heavy rain advisories across most of North Jeolla Province as of Aug. 11. Forecast models indicate that rain is likely to continue across the country through at least Aug. 12. Officials could update and extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Further disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
