South Korea: Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing in central and southern regions as of July 10

Continuous heavy rainfall is causing flooding and landslides across the central and southern regions of South Korea as of July 10. The worst affected areas, including parts of North Jeolla, North Chuncheong, South Chungcheong, North Gyeongsang, and South Gyeongsang provinces, are experiencing disruptions. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), several areas in the central region have received more than 20 cm (8 inches) of rainfall as of early July 10, with further rainfall forecast through at least late July 10. Authorities have confirmed at least four deaths and significant infrastructural and road damage in the affected areas.

As a precaution, officials have suspended train services on the Janghang Line in South Chungcheong Province, Gyeongbuk Line in North Gyeongsang Province, and Chungbuk Line in North Chuncheong Province. Additionally, KTX high-speed trains on the Gyeongbuk Line between Seoul and Busan are operating at reduced speeds.

There have been reports of flight disruptions at Gimhae International Airport (PUS) in Busan July 10; 21 flights have been canceled and 16 delayed. Further flight cancellations and delays are possible; flights may remain disrupted even after the severe weather passes as airlines work to clear backlogs.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger 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 possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where strong winds and flying debris impact utility networks. Strong winds are likely to 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 may render some 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 additional delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas subject to heavy rainfall and track blockages.

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. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.