09 Aug 2022 | 02:06 AM UTC
South Korea: Recovery efforts ongoing following flooding in Seoul as of Aug. 9
Recovery efforts ongoing following flooding in Seoul, South Korea, as of Aug. 9. Casualties and damage reported. Additional rain forecast.
Event
Recovery efforts are ongoing in Seoul as of Aug. 9 after heavy rainfall triggered flooding in the city late the previous day. The southern region of Seoul, including the Gangnam area, was the worst hit. The flooding caused road transport and subway service disruptions and triggered power outages across the city. While flood levels have temporarily subsided in several areas as of the morning of Aug. 9, road blockages due to debris and vehicle wreckage are causing traffic disruptions; dozens of roads and tunnels remain closed as a safety precaution. Officials have resumed services on Subway Lines 1-8; however, services between Noryangjin Station and Sinnonhyeon Station on Subway Line 9 remain suspended due to flooding at Dongjak Station and Gubanpo stations. Latest reports indicate at least seven fatalities and nine injuries across Seoul and Gwangju in Gyeonggi Province, while six others remain missing; the death toll could rise as recovery operations progress. Officials have advised businesses to adjust work arrangements and commuting hours.
Further heavy rainfall is forecast across central and northern South Korea through at least Aug. 10. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has issued heavy rain warnings across Gyeonggi and southwestern and northwestern Gangwon provinces, as well as Incheon Metropolitan City and Seoul Special City as of Aug. 9. 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.
