South Korea: Casualties and disruptions reported nationwide due to flooding and landslides as of July 15 /update 1

Event

Adverse weather conditions and associated flooding and landslides have left at least 22 people dead, and thousands more have been forced to evacuate as of late July 15. The fatalities have occurred in the center and southeast of the country. North Gyeongsang Province has been particularly badly affected. Other recent developments include:

• Korea Railroad Corporation halted slow trains and some bullet trains on July 15; as of late July 15, bullet train services were slowly resuming. Officials have warned of slower service on lines connecting Seoul and southern regions.

• Over 130 roads across the country have been closed.

• Widespread power outages were reported overnight on July 14/15. As of late July 15, electricity has been restored in most locations except for Mungyeong, Yeongju, and Yecheon in North Gyeongsang Province.

• The Goesan Dam has neared capacity and is threatening to overflow; this prompted the evacuation of hundreds of people earlier on July 15.

• An underground tunnel in Chungcheong province has flooded; at least 19 cars are submerged.

Heavy rainfall is forecast across much of South Korea through at least July 17. Rainfall totals of up to 25 cm (9.8 inches) are forecast in parts of South Chungcheong, North Chungcheong, North Jeolla, North Gyeongsang, and North Jeonnam provinces, and up to 4 cm (2 inches) are expected across Seoul metropolitan area July 15-16. Further showers are forecast in many areas through July 17. As of July 15, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has issued heavy rain warnings nationwide. Officials could update and extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are likely to persist in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue additional evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Further disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where strong winds and flying debris impact utility networks. Strong winds will likely result in hazardous driving conditions and impact overland travel. Localized business disruptions may occur; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows will likely render additional bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and 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. The disruptive weather may cause delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region; several flights have already been canceled or delayed. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas subject to heavy rainfall and track blockages. Disruptions to shipping are also likely to persist in places.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after weather conditions have improved; it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. Repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions if there is severe damage to infrastructure.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in the affected area. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Korea Meteorological Administration