18 Jul 2023 | 03:03 PM UTC
South Korea: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in multiple regions as of July 18 /update 3
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across South Korea as of July 18. Further adverse weather forecast in eastern and southern regions.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of South Korea as of July 18. Heavy rainfall across much of the country since July 15 triggered widespread flooding and landslides and has led to at least 44 fatalities across the country; six others are missing as of July 18. Central and southern regions, including parts of North Chungcheong Province, are among the worst affected. Around 5,685 people remain in evacuation centers across 15 cities, down from a peak of more than 13,000 on July 16. Floods and landslides have damaged hundreds of homes and other buildings and made dozens of roads impassable. Widespread transport disruptions and power outages have been ongoing across the country in recent days; however, the situation is starting to improve as of July 18. Bullet train services have fully resumed operations; some other regional train services remain disrupted. Response and recovery operations are ongoing, and the Defence Ministry has deployed more than 10,000 troops to support rescue operations.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) is maintaining heavy rainfall warnings for some eastern and southeastern regions as of July 18, including parts of eastern North Gyeongsang Province, eastern South Gyeongsang Province, Busan Municipal City, and Ulsan Municipal City. Heavy rainfall and strong wind advisories are also in place along parts of the southern and southeastern coast. 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.
